LAUSR

Malnutrition in hospitalised older patients may present in the form of micro-nutrient deficiency such as mineral and/or vitamin deficiencies or macronutrient deficiency represented by protein-energy malnutrition. The prevalence of protein – energy malnutrition among elderly hospitalised patients may vary depending on the population, the setting and the screening tool being used. However, poor nutrition among this population in hospital setting appears to be a global problem and it is often associated with increased mortality, morbidity and longer lengths of hospital stay. In conclusion, the prevalence of malnutrition is high in hospitalised older patients and a number of factors including patient related problems and the hospital environment are responsible for this development. Therefore, strategies for meeting the nutritional needs of older people in hospital should include the use of validated nutritional screening tools to identify those at risk of malnutrition and developing management interventions including the provision of oral nutritional supplements to ameliorate the undernutrition and promote health.