Narrative review: nutritional strategies for ageing populations - focusing on dysphagia and geriatric nutritional needs

• Published in: European journal of clinical nutrition
• Main Authors: Cava, Edda, Lombardo, Mauro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 16.10.2024
• ISSN: 0954-3007; 1476-5640; 1476-5640
• DOI: 10.1038/s41430-024-01513-w

The increase in elderly populations worldwide highlights the urgency of addressing age-related problems through effective nutritional management to enhance the well-being of the elderly and for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. The trend towards an increasing elderly population brings with it an increase in conditions such as sarcopenia, osteosarcopenia and frailty, emphasising the importance of regular checks for malnutrition in the elderly and the implementation of personalised nutritional therapies. The importance of nutrition in addressing geriatric syndromes such as frailty, sarcopenia, osteosarcopenia, obesity and metabolic syndrome is highlighted. Dysphagia, frequent in the elderly, requires special attention to prevent malnutrition and complications. It is essential to maintain muscle mass and bone health in old age. In this review we investigate the fundamental role of nutrition in geriatrics, focusing on promoting healthy ageing and managing problems such as malnutrition and overeating. The importance of protein intake and healthy dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet are then discussed. Finally, the challenges of personalised nutritional care, including the need for artificial nutrition or oral supplements, to improve quality of life and health care in an ageing society are addressed.