Dissertation
At home and at risk? Screening for nutrition risk in community-living older adults
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00540
Abstract
Australians are experiencing increased life expectancy resulting in an ageing population. Approximately 3.7 million people, 15% of the Australian population, are aged 65 years or greater. This proportion is predicted to increase over the next decade. The majority of older Australians live in their own homes, referred to here as community-living older adults. Many desire to remain living independently in their own home for as long as possible, yet the process of ageing can challenge this. Nutrition is an important contributor to healthy ageing, however maintaining an adequate nutritional status can be difficult for many older adults due to physiological and psychosocial factors. Ongoing inadequate intake of energy (kilojoules) and/or nutrient(s) required to meet physiological requirements can lead to the harmful and complex condition of malnutrition. So, for those growing older in their own homes, awareness of appropriate age-related nutrition and nutrition risk factors is important. Nutrition screening is a process that identifies individuals who may be vulnerable to malnutrition. Once identified, an appropriate intervention should follow to resolve risk factors, or at least slow, the malnutrition trajectory. Further, screening can also act as a tool for prevention and behaviour change. Although routine screening of older adults in all settings is recommended by evidencebased practice guidelines, few studies have reported screening practices or common risk factors from the perspective of community-living older adults. Therefore, this research aimed to explore nutrition screening practices and nutrition risk factors in community-living older adults in the context of the Australian healthcare system.
Details
- Title
- At home and at risk? Screening for nutrition risk in community-living older adults
- Authors
- Dana Craven
- Contributors
- Fiona Pelly (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00540
- Organisation Unit
- Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451000802621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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