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4 SOUTHERN SENIOR MAGAZINE | Spring 2021 S M alnutrition is a crisis in older adults. Those 65-84 have 1,487 protein-calorie malnutri- tion related hospital stays per 100,000 population and for those over 85 it goes up to 3,754. 1 out of 2 older adults is either at risk of becoming or is malnourished. The costs associated is estimated to be $51.3 billion annually. These seniors are also 3 times more likely to die in or after a hospital stay and often result in longer stays due to their malnutrition. This has hit home for many of us. My own mother who is now 85 was having trouble and we did not know it. Since she lives 1200 miles from each of us and we only see her once a year. On the phone she sounded great, but when we got a look at her we were horrified. She had lost about 50 lbs. and was below her lowest weight as an adult. She also did not seem to be aware of the weight loss. She thought it was great, because like most women had put on a little weight after menopause. She was now a size 8-10 wearing size 16 clothes. Many in the community were concerned but she didn’t think any- thing was wrong. After some time with her and investigating, we be- lieve she just forgets to eat. She was having short term memory problems which caused trouble shop- ping, cooking etc. Luckily, we were able to get her meals on wheels which helped. She has a great ap- petite but is still not eating enough. This malnutrition is related to many factors. Disease associated risk factors like diabetes, heart disease, COPD. Function Associated risk factors such as loss of mobility, hand strength and coordination and maybe teeth problems. Social and mental health risk factors such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, loss of spouse and other friends. Hunger and food insecu- rity risk factors. All seniors need to be screened and assessed by their physician or nurse practitioner. If they are found to be having malnutrition, intervention is essential with the appropriate care. You can learn more at www.Defeatmalnutrition.today By Dawn Vosbein MS, MPH, RD, LDN Malnutrition in Older Adults