The Factors that affect nutrition were as follows:

There are many factors that influence nutritional status in older adults, and they can be broadly grouped into four main areas:

• Those that naturally occur during the ageing process, such as a reduced ability to absorb nutrients efficiently, or a sore mouth due to dentures
• Disease-specific conditions such as cancer, which place greater nutritional demands on people
• Some drugs that interact with nutrients and prevent absorption, for example aspirin, which can interfere with the absorption of vitamin C
• Social influences, such as not being able to get to shops, or social isolation

Those analysing the findings say that continuing to enjoy food and to eat a diet that maintains nutritional status is key to coping with illness. They add that poor nutrition has been shown to increase the risk of infections, bed sores, chest infections and poor wound healing, while good nutritional status will help ensure a quicker recovery.

They also cited other common problems. These included:

1. A loss of taste
2. A loss of interest in food
3. Poor appetite
4. Difficulty in chewing
5. Constipation
6. Older people needing extra care
7. Swallowing difficulties
8. Care Homes

If anyone has been affected by one or more of these issues then BBC Health has provided advice on how to understand and go about solving the common problems listed. However their website states that the content is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.

To read this advice, please click here.