What does malnutrition mean in the context of gerontology?

In the context of gerontology, malnutrition is primarily defined as an imbalance in nutrient intake. This encompasses both undernutrition, where essential nutrients are lacking, and overnutrition, where excessive intake of certain nutrients leads to adverse health effects. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition due to changes in metabolism, chronic disease, and reduced appetite or ability to prepare nutritious food.

Understanding that malnutrition reflects an imbalance helps healthcare providers appropriately assess dietary needs and implement interventions to address specific nutritional deficiencies or excesses. This nuanced definition emphasizes the complexity of nutritional health in older adults rather than simplifying it to solely focus on weight or caloric intake.