Malnutrition is a growing concern, which many times goes undiagnosed, for many older adults. GSA is taking a lead in increasing awareness on this issue. This resource is a handout from a November 2015 presentation, Understanding Patient and Caregiver Perceptions of Malnutrition.

Did you know that obesity is not America’s only nutritional epidemic? A hidden epidemic of adult malnutrition cuts across all weight categories—from underweight to obese—and especially affects older adults. Fortunately, there are a range of possible policy interventions that can help mitigate the problem, enhancing the health and quality of life for older adults while simultaneously reducing healthcare costs. 

Support provided by Abbott.

This poster illustrates a theory based model for understanding interactive effects of personal and environmental factors that determine health behaviors. It also helps identify social and organizational leverage points for health promotion within organizations.

Good nutrition in older Americans is important to their health, independence, and well-being, according to preliminary results from a July 2015 online survey conducted among 1000 consumers, patients, and caregivers. Consumers, patients, and caregivers agreed that problems ranging from food cost to access to education about malnutrition keep older people from getting the proper nutrition they need. As part of this 2015's Malnutrition Awareness Week, GSA is participated in a Twitter chat with NCOA, the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs. Patients and caregivers received these and other messages through posts on the social networking platform Twitter.

Part 1 of a monthly series from the GSA publication, "What We Know and Can Do about Malnutrition."

Part 2 of a monthly series from the GSA publication, "What We Know and Can Do about Malnutrition."

Part 3 of a monthly series from the GSA publication, "What We Know and Can Do about Malnutrition."

Part 4 of a monthly series from the GSA publication, "What We Know and Can Do about Malnutrition."

Part 5 of a monthly series from the GSA publication, "What We Know and Can Do about Malnutrition."

Malnutrition is a prevalent, serious, and often unrecognized health threat for older adults in the United States. This publication highlights findings from a nationally representative survey to measure American consumer knowledge and perceptions about malnutrition in older adults.