A summary of article written by Paige Cockburn for ABC.
News story published in the ABC has put a spotlight on what dietitians have been trying to spread awareness on for years – the avoidable health decline that many elderly Australians are experiencing due to malnutrition, a critical issue often mistaken for normal aging. Some highlights from the article touched on the following:
Older adults have higher protein and energy needs; however, most aren’t meeting requirements which is leading to malnutrition rates of 68% in aged care and up to 50% in the community. As a dietitian on the ground, my guess is that these numbers are an under-representation.
The impact of malnutrition can often be more devastating than other chronic conditions older adults are living with, and often disease progression is accelerated by malnutrition. Think of good nutrition as the groundwork – it gives your body a solid foundation to have the strength to address any dis-ease in the body. Malnutrition can result from a complex interplay of factors – such as chronic disease, poor dentition, emotional issues, dementia, food insecurity, and medication use.
A conversation I commonly have is the difficulty of cooking for one. There is a lack of guidelines around malnutrition screening in aged care, and this means we are catching it too late and treating a problem rather than preventing it in the first place. Nationally, dietitians are hopeful that with the new Aged Care Act (set to be released in 2025), residential aged care facilities will be given clearer instructions on what best nutrition care for their residents looks like.
Nutrition is a field where many people feel they have some expertise, given that everyone eats and has personal beliefs about what’s best for their health. This is understandable, as food is a universal concern. However, nutrition is not always straightforward. Different life stages and health conditions, such as illness, can significantly alter nutritional needs. For example, the article highlights how malnourished individuals may mistakenly focus on vegetables to combat weight loss. A dietitian’s role isn’t to dictate what you can and cannot eat, but rather to clarify why certain issues arise, how food plays a role, and what steps can be taken to improve your nutrition.
Ultimately, whether someone applies this knowledge is their choice, but having the right information is empowering.
Author: Lila Juwayed. Accredited Practicing Dietitian. Focus on Function.
