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As people age, their nutritional needs change. These needs can vary widely depending on an individual’s health, mobility, medical conditions, and personal circumstances. Understanding and meeting these changing needs is essential for promoting well-being and preventing malnutrition in older adults.
Ageing brings about several physical and physiological changes that can impact how well a person eats and how their body processes food:
In addition to these physical changes, social and practical factors can affect an older person’s ability to eat well, such as:
As activity levels tend to decrease with age, so do the daily energy (or calorie) requirements. The following figures outline the average calorie needs:
While calorie needs may decline, the need for essential nutrients remains just as important, if not more so, as the body ages.
Malnutrition remains a significant issue in health and social care. Research indicates that up to 29% of older adults in residential care homes and 40% of hospital inpatients may experience some form of malnutrition. The effects of malnutrition can include:
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates and monitors care services in the UK. It is the responsibility of care providers to ensure that the nutritional and hydration needs of all service users are met.
Supporting people to eat and drink also involves creating a positive mealtime environment that promotes dignity, choice, and independence. Ensuring that meals are enjoyed in a comfortable and supportive setting is essential for both physical and emotional health.