Why is good nutrition important in older people?
Ireland’s population is ageing and it is expected that by 2011, over 14% of the population will be over 65 years. For this reason, the need for optimum nutrition in this age group is becoming increasingly important. What factors affect the dietary intake of older people? Lack of education, income and adequate facilities to prepare food have been identified as predisposing factors in poor nutritional intake in the older independent person. Social isolation and loneliness are also factors, as are depression and dementia. The principal cause of death in people aged 65 and over are diseases of the circulatory system, such as heart disease and stroke, along with cancer and pneumonia. Chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, constipation and osteoporosis, coupled with a lack of financial resources, insufficient food intake, and functional impairment place a substantial number of older Irish people at high risk of malnutrition. Physical problems
