One in ten older people in the UK are suffering from, or at risk of malnutrition. This relatively unknown, yet significant issue, costs the NHS £19.6 billion per year.[1] Often overshadowed by obesity as a public health issue, malnutrition impacts a person’s wellbeing; this leading to further problems, such as an increase in hospital admissions, increased dependency and increased risk to life.

Considering the demographic profile of the UK, the prevalence of malnutrition amongst older people will undoubtedly rise. Patients with or at risk of malnutrition result in a public expenditure cost of up to four times more than that of non-malnourished patients, meaning as the population ages, it will become one of the UK’s most expensive conditions.

Despite the brilliant work of organisations such as the Malnutrition Task Force and Age UK, malnutrition in older adults still receives little media attention. This may have contributed to the lack of public knowledge surrounding the issue. For example, almost half (42.6 per cent) of UK adults aged 30-50 are unaware of the serious nature of malnutrition, whilst four in ten are unaware of the symptoms.[2]

Thus, in order to tackle malnutrition, it firstly needs to be better understood. Not just by healthcare professionals, but by the public, as often, it is carers, family, friends who are in the best position to spot the initial signs. A multifactorial condition, malnutrition can stem from a series of interrelated physical, social and psychological causes.

The most common causes fall within the physical category. These include medical conditions which result in a lack of appetite such as cancer and liver disease, or conditions which disrupt the body’s ability to optimally digest food, Crohn’s disease for example. Older people often struggle to prepare and consume meals due to physical hindrances. These could include poor dentition, dysphagia or mobility issues.

Social factors can be extremely instrumental in the development of malnutrition. Isolation leads to many older people in our community eating alone. For older adults in care, the upheaval of moving into a home can cause a loss of identity, confidence and subsequently isolation. With mealtimes being a social occasion, a lack of interaction around food may discourage eating and lead to malnutrition.

Malnutrition is also associated with several psychological issues. Mental health problems such as depression and anxiety or a change in mental state due to bereavement can affect a person’s appetite and interest in eating. If insufficient nutrients are consumed, a change in mood and energy levels will occur and a negative cycle will ensue. Other psychological causes can include eating disorders, substance addiction and dementia.

Due to the complex nature of malnutrition and myriad causes, there are no blanket measures to prevent its occurrence. However, once the causes of each case are recognised, there are steps which can be taken to manage, treat and prevent reoccurrence of these. These steps fall broadly into two categories; clinical and social interventions.

Clinical interventions include screening, monitoring and the involvement of healthcare professionals. In a care setting, it is essential staff undergo regular screening of residents and are trained in recognising when to involve various healthcare professionals.

For example, a doctor may alter medication or subscribe oral nutritional supplements (ONS), whilst a dentist can be approached to tackle oral pain and denture problems. Dietitians are best placed to advise on how best to tackle malnutrition through diet. Speech and Language Therapists are the principal healthcare professional involved in diagnosing and recommending treatment for malnutrition caused by dysphagia, whilst occupational therapists can provide appropriate aids to enable independent eating.

The social factors which lead to malnutrition are more challenging to address. Successful interventions include shopping schemes or lunch and activity clubs, which serve the dual purpose of providing older people with a means of eating, whilst offering them a chance to socialise. Where possible, family and friends should be encouraged to make visits during mealtimes, to help preserve the social aspect of eating.

The physical, social and psychological causes of malnutrition are often interlinked and in many cases, can develop into a downward spiral. There is a vast network of support, information and guidance available to older people living with, or in danger of malnourishment. However, many never find their way into this network, due to the greatest problem in the battle against malnutrition: awareness.

Gaps in professional training and public awareness may deter older people from seeking help and prevent healthcare professionals from recognising the signs. Progress has been made, but this must continue, with the ultimate goal of increasing awareness of the condition and creating an integrated system of health and social care. Only then will older people receive the help they need and deserve to live their lives long and to the full.