Malnutrition Is Not Always Obvious
In 1993, Peter Hart and Associates conducted a national telephone survey
with gerontological nurses, physicians, and nursing home administrators
to assess their perception of malnutrition among older adults. These professionals
believed that 1 out of 4 of their patients were malnourished. Malnutrition
is defined as a condition involving a nutrient deficit, excess, or imbalance.
Clinical research has shown that malnourished individuals are more likely
to have longer hospital stays, more medical expenses, and the need for
intermediate skilled care before returning to their homes.
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Describe characteristics of older adults that make their risk for malnutrition
higher than that of younger adult populations.
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Describe the types of malnutrition that are most commonly found among older
adult populations.
Relevant Online Resources
Comments, suggestions, or requests to urhere@wherever.edu.
"http://www.wherever.edu/~urhere/problem.html"
Last updated January 29, 1998.
Copyright U. R. Here, Univ. of Wherever, 1998.