Nutritional status in the elderly with fragility syndrome

Abstract

During the twentieth century life expectancy has increased significantly and it was estimated that by 2030, 21% of the world’s population will be >65 years. According to observations, fragility syndrome and nutritional status problems are very common among the elderly population, especially in old age. Fragility syndrome has a multifactorial origin and is a fundamental risk factor for deteriorating health and the installation of disability in the elderly. The purpose of the study was to establish the interrelationship of nutritional status with fragility syndrome and the impact on the functionality of the elderly. The information was searched in the PubMed, Hinari, Cochrane, Elsevier, Springer databases, including the offi cial pages of the European Geriatric Society, European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, to identify scientifi c journals dedicated to nutrition in the elderly with fragility syndrome. Studies published in the period 2010-2020, in romanian and english, were selected. Th e specialized literature, scientifi c journals, clinical studies were researched, from which the most relevant 34 were selected. Elderly malnutrition is currently a global problem, its prevalence in people is 10-40%. Th e diagnosis of malnutrition aims to identify it and elucidate the causes. Weight loss is a criterion of the development of fragility, and nutrition-focused interventions can prevent the progression of fragility syndrome and loss of autonomy with the onset of dependence. Fragility is a geriatric syndrome that aff ects several areas of physical status, and malnutrition is one of the risk factors for this syndrome.