A Systematic Literature Review on Health Issues of Malnutrition in the Aged and Interventions

Abstract

Malnutrition remains a persistent and multifaceted public health concern among the aged population globally. With the increasing proportion of older adults, the risks associated with malnutrition such as weakened immunity, muscle wasting, cognitive decline, and higher mortality rates pose serious challenges for healthcare systems. This systematic literature review critically examines empirical research from 2015 to 2025 to explore the health issues linked to malnutrition in the elderly and assess evidence-based interventions. The review utilized the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to screen studies from databases including PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies addressing individuals aged 60 and above, with outcomes related to physical health, psychological well-being, and healthcare utilization. Interventions evaluated include nutritional supplementation, community meal programs, multidisciplinary approaches, and caregiver education. Findings reveal that while biological factors such as dysphagia and chronic illnesses are leading contributors to malnutrition, social determinants like isolation and poverty significantly make the issue worse. Effective interventions often involve a combination of nutritional counselling, food security strategies, and tailored healthcare services. This review underscores the need for integrated, person-centered interventions and policy reforms that address both clinical and social dimensions of aging-related malnutrition. Future research should prioritize culturally sensitive and scalable strategies to improve nutritional health outcomes in older populations.