Malnutrition in elderly people, possible cause and nursing interventions

Abstract

Malnutrition is one of the main health related issue faced by elderly all over the world and it is often under recognized. Therefore, the aim of our study is to investigate how well it is recognized by nurses and their possible role to tackle malnutrition in elderly. Our study is based on qualitative method in which we have analysed articles by using inductive content analysis method. Orem`s self-care deficit theory is used as a theoretical framework as it is universal theory which views nutrition as a part of self-care and it mainly focuses on self-care, self-care deficit and nursing system. After analysing the articles, it is found that both nurses and elderly plays an important role in malnutrition. Malnutrition has multifactorial causes and contributing factors. Therefore, its definition varies from person to person. It is necessary for elderly to understand malnutrition and to be educated on their nutritional status. Education and understanding are also important for nurses to manage and evaluate the malnutrition at early stages in elderly.

The study covers the causes of malnutrition in elderly and how nurses can identify or prevent malnutrition in elderly by using screening and assessment tools.