Malnutrition in seniors in the Czech Republic

Malnutrition in old age is a serious and still often neglected topic. The risk of malnutrition development in the elderly is increased by a number of chronic diseases. Conversely, already developed malnutrition aggravates the course and prognosis of most diseases. The only solution is the recognition of malnutrition, and timely initiation of nutritional support. The aim of this work is to demonstrate the problems of malnutrition in seniors in the Czech Republic. In spite of many improvements in recent years, nutrition management in the Czech Republic is still disjointed and there is no monitoring of malnutrition at the whole-republic level. Patients are mostly not sent to examine the risk of malnutrition, but rather for treatment of its complications. Diagnosis of malnutrition in old age is usually carried out by a geriatrician or internist, with further follow-up and prescription of potential nutritional support done by a physician holding a nutritional licence. The treatment of malnutrition in the elderly is based on adjustment of eating habits, dietary measures and sipping. After the performance of indications for prescription, the nutritional support is covered by the health insurance.