Suzanne Salamon

Jan 24, 2025 | health.harvard.edu | Lisa Catanese |Suzanne Salamon

As people age, a variety of factors can make it more challenging to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Over time, this can lead to malnutrition. What is malnutrition and how common is it in older adults? Older adults may need fewer calories each day compared to a younger person, but have similar or even increased nutrient needs. Malnutrition occurs when someone is not consuming enough important nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.