Malnutrition - Cause for concern in the older Irish person

In 2006, 11% of Irish people were aged over 65 years and it is estimated that by 2050, one in four will be aged over 65.1,2 While it is true that any age group can become malnourished due to social circumstances or illness older people are particularly at risk with a reported 20-60% of admissions to gerontology wards in the UK at risk of malnutrition and a staggering 70% of these cases presenting undiagnosed at time of admission.3 Malnutrition leads to a host of health issues such as weakness, lethargy, reduced mobility, development of pressure sores, increased risk of falls as well as an increase in gastrointestinal problems due to reduced secretions and malabsorption. Other consequences include increased risk to infection, delayed wound healing, impaired respiratory function, muscle weakness and depression.