EP: I seem to be losing muscle mass, and feeling a decrease in the sensation of thirst, which exposes me, being over 75, to a risk of dehydration. Isn’t that right?

SN: Generally speaking, appetite changes with age, which results in undernutrition, that is the imbalance between protein and energy requirements and food intake, leading to a decrease in lean body mass and bone mass. The diagnosis of undernutrition is related to your physical state, the decrease in food intake, reduced nutrient absorption or an evolutive pathology.

EP: So, may be this is why I’m feeling tired almost all the time! My recent blood analysis shows calcium, ferritin and zinc deficiencies. Might this be responsible for my poor general condition?

SN: The idea here is to avoid the increased risk of falls and fractures when we feel tired and unable to move correctly. Added to your deficiencies, the most common complications are dependence, a possible alteration of the digestive system, heart rhythm disorders, dehydration, sarcopenia, which is the involuntary loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, deterioration in quality of life and psychological repercussions related to tall that.

EP: Can anything be done about that, then?

SN: Yes. The calculation of Body Mass Index can be an indication. Therefore, the measurement of body weight once a month is the primary criterion in nutritional assessment. And you can do this yourself, possibly accompanied by your family and friends at a convenient time of day if you wish. The measurement of the arm circumference allows an estimation of the muscle mass. We can also set up a food diary over a few days with a precise record of what you consume, estimating the portions.

EP: This is all too much for me. I mean, just what about care?

SN: Nutritional management will of course be adapted to you, depending on your clinical situation, cooperation and consent. And therefore, a multidisciplinary approach involving a nursing team, dietician, occupational therapist and psychologist will guarantee the best results. Anyway, here at home, you should consider meals as convivial moments with your family. There should be at least three meals a day and a systematic snack in the afternoon, or other snacks in the morning and at night. It is also recommended to enrich your dishes with protein by considering, for example, fresh cheese, dried legumes, eggs, and many other things, and make them more palatable by adding condiments and spices.

EP: Good by me! And by the way, did I ask you about the quality of daily life?

SN: We’re just coming to that. So, adding to all this, social life is extremely important, not that you should go out all the time, but at least having visits from, and go visiting if you can, some family and friends. This also leads to a better psychological balance. Oral hygiene and dental health are very important in order to eat easily and have taste in what you eat. And, one last thing, adapted physical activity is essential to avoid age-related muscle wasting but also to improve cardiorespiratory endurance, prevent osteoporosis and reduce cardiovascular risk and the risk of falling. And this contributes to the quality of daily living.