Nutrition & Aging

There are multiple things that can lead to malnutrition in older adults and it has become a serious issue in healthcare.  When discharged from the hospital, the importance is often put on medication or therapy and the nutrition aspect is forgotten. Many older adults have little knowledge about proper nutrition, poor oral health, and weakness during kitchen mobility/meal preparation.  As we age, we lose muscle mass and function which can lead to a condition called sarcopenia.  This condition often leads to disability and sometimes mortality.  Along with exercise, nutrition interventions are very beneficial for older adults who have malnourishment issues and sarcopenia.  There is limited research on occupational therapy's role in nutrition, however, malnutrition can be related to occupational performance, including eating and meal preparation. 

There are many occupational therapy interventions that can be involved around nutrition.  Educating a client who has poor oral health and difficulty chewing or swallowing on selecting or preparing soft foods.  As far as a group intervention, leading a support group for those who spouses have passed on different techniques for healthy meal preparation.  Advocating for OT's role in nutrition is very important because many healthcare professionals are not aware!