Malnutrition in hospitalized Asian seniors: An issue that calls for action

In Asia, the proportion of older people (i.e., > 65 years) in the population is already high and will continue to grow in the 21st century. Malnutrition, particularly undernutrition, is a common and costly problem among older people in communities and in hospitals. People with acute and chronic conditions are at a high risk of malnutrition. In our paper, we review the tools that are used to screen for malnutrition risk and to ascertain malnutrition. We call on health care professionals in Asia to take action against malnutrition in older people. Increased attention to nutritional care is essential to improving the wellbeing of older people and containing health care costs.