Nutrition problems among home-living elderly people may lead to disease and hospitalization.

Undernutrition is a major problem among hospitalized elderly patients, increasing their morbidity and mortality. Various factors can contribute to the development of reduced nutrition status. In this study, reduced appetite and taste, dental problems, and difficulties in shopping and cooking were common in an elderly population during their last month before hospital admission compared to a reference group of home-living elderly. It is likely that these nutrition habits and disabilities may contribute to reduced nutrition status and increase the need for hospitalization in old people.