Overview of geriatric nutrition.

Restoration and maintenance of optimal nutritional status in the long-term care setting may enhance the quality of life for geriatric patients. The elderly are at increased risk for poor nutrition due to age-related physiological and psychosocial changes, as well as the added toll of chronic disease. All of these may have a negative impact on adequate food intake. Health care providers must identify and address nutrition-related problems in a timely manner to correct nutrient imbalances and restore nutritional well-being in this population.