Nutrition and aging.

Aging is multifactorial and is dependent on genetic, life-style, and environmental factors. Successful aging relies upon a nutritionally complete diet and adequate exercise to counteract some of the physiologic changes related to age. A nutritionally sound diet for wellness in normal elderly is outlined which usually does not require additional vitamin supplements. Protein-calorie malnutrition is very prevalent in older patients with chronic disease, living alone, and receiving low income. Nutritional assessment and early intervention in the hospitalized elderly patient is extremely important to reduce the morbidity associated with this disease.