Insidious symptoms: Malnutrition is very dangerous in old age

class=”sc-29f61514-0 kHgAwW”>

The older you get, the more things you have to consider when it comes to health. A balanced diet is no exception. “When the body is no longer getting enough nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins, minerals or trace elements, malnutrition can occur,” explains Andreas M. Fischer (43), Senior Physician of Geriatric Medicine at Felix Platter University. Basel.

The result: muscle breakdown is accelerated, the risk of falls increases and the body becomes more susceptible to infections as it gets weaker and weaker. “Also, wound healing disorders can occur with any wound,” adds the expert.

High risk in old age

A study by university geriatric medicine Felix Platter shows that about half of 300 patients are at risk of malnutrition. According to Fischer, there are several reasons why older people are so often affected: “Our bodies change with age. The skin becomes dry and thinner, bones become more fragile, muscles weaken, metabolism and digestion slow down. Such aging processes also affect our diet.”

Due to the reduced muscle mass, our energy needs also decrease over the years. Even though we need fewer calories then, the amount of important nutrients remains the same. “The body needs proteins more because they are the basic building blocks for muscles and can prevent any muscle breakdown,” says the expert.

In addition to decreased appetite, impaired sense of smell and taste can cause less and more unbalanced eating and loss of pleasure from food. If you live alone, you usually don’t want to cook. “As we get older, our thirst decreases. Older people often drink very little. This in turn harms the body because without sufficient fluid it cannot perform its full functions. In addition, dehydration causes drying of the mucous membranes and carries the risk of constipation.»

How do you detect malnutrition?

Symptoms of malnutrition appear gradually. Still, there are several things that are clear indications of this, according to Fischer:

• The clothes are getting too big.

• Falls are more common.

• It becomes difficult to get up from the chair without using your support.

• Calf circumference is less than 31 centimeters.

• Just a few steps becomes a challenge.

“A doctor’s visit is recommended, especially when it comes to the endpoint,” says the senior physician of geriatric medicine.

You can do this

Since malnutrition is often recognized late, it is recommended to integrate various preventive measures into daily life. A balanced diet is probably the most important point. “This means eating lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. You should also pay attention to healthy fats, such as those found in fish, nuts, seeds, or high-quality vegetable oils,” says Fischer.

More expert tips:

• Move regularly.

• Quit smoking.

• Consume alcohol only in small quantities.

• Maintain a normal body weight.

• Avoiding stress.

• Plan your drinking, whether you’re thirsty or not.

• Anyone who already has high blood pressure or diabetes should work with their doctor to make sure they are well controlled with medications.

If malnutrition is detected, it is treated with both physical and nutritional therapy.

Source : Blick