Which description represents physiologic risk factors for malnutrition in older adults?

Which description represents physiologic risk factors for malnutrition in older adults?

• A. Decreased lean body mass and taste bud atrophy.
• B. Social isolation.
• C. Medication side effects.
• D. Food cost.

Answer: (A)

Physiologic changes that come with aging can directly alter how much and what we eat. Decreased lean body mass, or sarcopenia, changes body composition and metabolism, often reducing protein reserves and overall strength, which can dampen appetite and energy needs in ways that promote malnutrition. Taste bud atrophy lowers taste sensitivity, making meals less enjoyable and leading to lower dietary intake; this sensory decline directly affects nutrient consumption. These intrinsic bodily changes are classic physiologic risk factors for malnutrition in older adults. Social isolation is a psychosocial factor that influences eating patterns rather than a bodily aging change. Medication side effects can affect appetite or digestion, but they represent drug-related influences rather than inherent physiologic aging changes. Food cost is an economic barrier, not a physiological factor.

Physiologic changes that come with aging can directly alter how much and what we eat. Decreased lean body mass, or sarcopenia, changes body composition and metabolism, often reducing protein reserves and overall strength, which can dampen appetite and energy needs in ways that promote malnutrition. Taste bud atrophy lowers taste sensitivity, making meals less enjoyable and leading to lower dietary intake; this sensory decline directly affects nutrient consumption. These intrinsic bodily changes are classic physiologic risk factors for malnutrition in older adults.

Social isolation is a psychosocial factor that influences eating patterns rather than a bodily aging change. Medication side effects can affect appetite or digestion, but they represent drug-related influences rather than inherent physiologic aging changes. Food cost is an economic barrier, not a physiological factor.