Special Nutrition Needs of Older Adults
nutrition risk checklist
Know the warning signs of poor nutritional health. Use this checklist to learn whether you, or someone you know, is at risk for poor nutrition.
Read the statements below. For each YES answer, circle the number in the “yes” column. Then total the score.
| STATEMENT | YES |
| I have an illness or condition that has made me change the amount or kind of food that I eat. | 2 |
| I eat fewer than 2 meals each day. | 3 |
| I have 3 or more drinks of beer, liquor, or wine, almost every day. | 2 |
| I eat few fruits, vegetables, or milk products. | 2 |
| I have tooth or muscle problems that make if hard to me to eat. | 2 |
 I
don’t always have enough money to buy the food I need. |
4 |
| I eat alone most of the time. | 1 |
| I take 3 or more different prescription or over-the counter medicines each day. | 1 |
| In the last 6 months, I’ve lost or gained 10 pounds without wanting to. | 2 |
| I am not always physically able to shop, cook, or feed myself. | 2 |
| TOTAL SCORE |
SCORE |
WHAT DOES THIS SCORE MEAN? |
0 to 2 |
GOOD! Re-check your score in 6 months. |
3 to 5 |
You are at MODERATE nutritional risk. Try to improve your eating habits and lifestyle. Seek advice from your office on aging, senior nutrition program, senior center, or health department. |
6 or more |
You are at HIGH nutritional risk. Bring this checklist to your next appointment with your doctor, dietitian, or other qualified health professional. Tell them about any problems you may have. Ask for help to improve your nutritional health. |
NOTE: These warning signs suggest risk, but they are not meant to diagnose any condition. Read on to learn more about the warning signs of poor nutritional health.
Use the word DETERMINE to remind you of the warning signs.
DISEASE
Disease, illness, or chronic conditions affect the way that people
eat. Confusion or memory loss can make it hard to remember what, or
whether, they have eaten a meal. Feeling depressed can affect appetite,
digestion, energy level, weight, and well-being.
EATING POORLY
Poor nutritional health can be caused by eating too little, eating too
much, skipping meals, or eating the same foods day after day. It can
also be caused by eating too few fruits, vegetables, or milk products
TOOTH LOSS OR MOUTH PAIN
Missing or loose teeth, or poor-fitting dentures, can make it hard to
eat.
ECONOMIC HARDSHIP
People on a reduced income may find it hard to afford the foods they
need.
REDUCED SOCIAL CONTACT
Having fewer contacts with other people can have a negative effect on
morale, well-being, and appetite.
MULTIPLE MEDICINES
Growing old may change the way that older adults respond to these medicines.
The more medicines that they take, the greater the risk for side effects
such as constipation, diarrhea, drowsiness, nausea, or a change in
appetite or taste.
INVOLUNTARY WEIGHT LOSS OR GAIN
This is an important warning sign that should
not be ignored.
NEEDS ASSISTANCE IN SELF CARE
Some older adults have trouble walking, shopping, or buying or cooking
food.
ELDER YEARS ABOVE AGE 80
Most older people lead full and productive lives. But as age increases,
the risk of frailty or health problems increases.
Adapted from Determine Your Nutritional Health, developed by the Nutrition Screening Initiative. A project of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Dietetic Association, and the National Council on Aging.
