Philip Dopp, BSc

The nutritional status of the elderly can be helpful in examining the health of this population. One study found that malnutrition among the elderly is associated with a variety of problems such as the development of pressure sores and fractured femurs.¹ Others have found that poor nutrition predisposes the elderly to infections, as those who are malnourished are 3.3 times more likely to be infected with a community-acquired bacterial pneu-monia.² Of even greater importance, is the demonstrated fact that poor nutritional status, as measured by body mass index, is an important predictor of mortality in the elderly.³ Given that studies have found that among population of seniors, the prevalence of malnutrition can be as high as 60%, and considering the consequences which can ensue, malnutrition represents a problem that warrants concern.⁴ In an attempt to deal with this problem, programmes such as Meals on Wheels® (MOW) have been developed to provide nutritional services for the elderly.