Malnutrition Prevalent Among Elderly Latinos: Study

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The elders among Latino communities are facing a health crisis and it's an issue that's not often talked about. Malnutrition among Latin seniors is becoming a rising problem and experts worry that it could lead to an epidemic.

New America Media conducted a study of elderly residents in senior communities, rehabilitation facilities and hospitals in the United States and found out that at least a third are suffering from poor nutrition. "Malnutrition is a serious and under-recognized problem among older adults," said nutritionist Nancy Wellman about the report, but she stressed that it's a problem that has been around for years.

Among the reasons why malnutrition has been a problem with Latino elders is because many subsist with low income. "Access to healthy foods may be a problem for them," said nutrition professor Noel Chavez via Salud Today. Not only are the seniors hard-up on buying healthier foods, they also have little access to dental health and medication and might sometimes experience isolation, appetite loss and food insecurity.

Malnutrition and the Elderly: The Effects to Health

Being malnourished doesn't only affect weight loss, as body functions could be compromised without proper nutrition. Over time, the lack of vitamins and minerals can lead to muscle loss, which will have the elderly eventually developing weakness, poor memory, anemia and a weakened immune system, per The Huffington Post.

"A big issue for our senior population is the lack of protein. Without enough of it, their immune system is not as strong; even medications cannot be transported to the body effectively. They may be getting enough calories, but if their diet doesn't have enough nutrients, this is what happens," said researcher Lauri M. Wright from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in another New Media report.

What must be done to senior malnutrition?

Experts noted that the problem is not being addressed right despite its prevalence and in the United States, diseases caused by malnutrition is a $156 billion burden for many communities, per a study published in the National Institutes of Health.

"We should be thinking about nutrition as one of the key aspects of healthy aging, of maintaining our independence, maintaining our quality of life, staying out of nursing homes, and staying out of hospitals," said Wellman via New American Media.

Wellman, who is part of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, urged communities, medical professionals and policymakers to give priority to nutrition. She advocated the undertaking of elderly nutritional screenings and intervention, as well as access to benefits and providing the elderly basic advice on nutrition.