Nutrition and Weight Management in the Elderly

Clin Geriatr Med. 2021 Feb;37(1):131-140. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2020.08.010. Epub 2020 Nov 2.

Abstract

"Aging alters the way the body digests food, absorbs nutrients, and metabolizes energy. Changes in deglutition, digestion, and metabolism in this population are well described and may lead to alterations in oral intake, body composition, and overall health status. Elderly persons are at high risk for developing sarcopenia as well as sarcopenic obesity characterized by accelerated reduction in lean muscle mass and enhancement of body fat. Nutritional screening is important to identify high-risk individuals and facilitate care management planning. The most common assessment tool in elderly patients is the Mini Nutritional Assessment, which analyzes oral intake, health status, and anthropometrics."

Keywords: Aging; Digestion; Malnutrition; Metabolism; Nutrition; Obesity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Body Composition
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight
  • Humans
  • Malnutrition*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
  • Nutrition Assessment
  • Nutritional Status*
  • Obesity*
  • Sarcopenia