Nutrition Support Methods in Elderly Patients

ABSTRACT

Nutrition support methods in the elderly is not easy, but similar as young adult. Elderly patients are at increased risk of partial or complete loss of independence due to acute and/or chronic disease and often of concomitant protein caloric malnutrition. The type of artificial nutrition to use will depend on the current illness and the previous health record. Because enteral feeding is less expensive and aggressive, enteral feeding should be used whenever possible, leaving parenteral nutrition for specific situations where enteral feeding should not be used.