Malnutrition occurs when the body doesn’t receive enough energy or essential nutrients. This can result from sickness, reduced appetite, or other changes that make eating difficult. Without adequate nutrition, older adults may lose muscle mass, become weaker, and struggle to stay strong.  

As people get older, natural physiological changes can reduce muscle strength and resilience. Several factors may contribute to this: decreased appetite, less physical activity, long-term illness, hospital stays or bed-rest, digestive issues, and hormonal changes. These changes can seriously impact health over time. Once-minor illnesses or events can lead to more serious consequences such as falls, fractures, longer recovery times, infections, or prolonged hospital stays. 

Losing weight or strength may seem like an inevitable part of aging - but it doesn’t have to be.

With the right balance of protein, energy, vitamins and minerals, older adults can preserve muscle health, support strength, and reduce the impact of frailty. This not only helps maintain independence and quality of life - but also lowers the risk of complications from illnesses, falls or prolonged recovery.  

If you, or someone you care about, begin to notice unexplained weight loss, increasing weakness, slower mobility or fatigue, it may signal early frailty or malnutrition.

Other warning signs include:

• Clothes or jewellery feeling looser than usual
• Changes in appetite or disinterest in food
• Difficulty walking or rising from a chair
• Frequent fatigue, low mood, or reduced ability to manage daily tasks

A healthcare professional may recommend assessing your diet and muscle health to check for deficiencies or early signs of muscle loss.

When needed — especially in cases of significant weight or muscle loss — they may suggest oral nutritional supplements (ONS) like Ensure* to help meet daily needs of protein, calories, vitamins and minerals, even when appetite or physical ability to eat and exercise is limited.

Supplementing your regular meals in this way can support recovery, help preserve strength, and improve overall wellbeing as you age.

Notes:

**Ensure is a Food for Special Medical Purposes. Use only under medical supervision.