MALNOURISHED SENIORS FLY UNDER THE RADAR

According to a recent NPR article, malnourishment among seniors often goes undetected until they go to the emergency room seeking medical treatment for injuries or other reasons. 

The article cites an August 12^th Annals of Emergency Medicine (AEM) study, which found 60% of 138 seniors who visited an ER in 2013 were either at-risk for or experiencing malnutrition. NPR notes existing studies estimate 6% of seniors living independently are malnourished, with rates increasing up to 85% for those living in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Seniors participating in the AEM study cited several reasons for under-eating, including depression, medical and dental issues, and difficulty buying groceries. 

Source: Office of Legislative Research, 9/17/14, Malnourished Seniors