Warning signals for malnutrition in the elderly.

Aging and disability are often assumed to coexist in Western society. Nevertheless, most elderly people live in noninstitutional settings. Monitoring and improving the nutritional integrity of the elderly could play a part in helping them remain healthy and independent. A community-based approach to the prevention of malnutrition in elderly people has been developed. This approach teaches warning signals for malnutrition to care providers who are in contact with elderly men and women. Care providers learn to recognize a group of circumstances (warning signals) that could have a negative impact on an elderly person's nutritional status. Examples of risk factors are given, and the interplay between risk factors and warning signals is discussed as well as their combined application. Practical steps for simple intervention are suggested. The dietitian is the nutrition educator and coordinator of this service.