Potential challenges that influence older people’s nutrition are economic status, geographical location, disease, medication, psychological issues, and culture. Low economic status makes the older adults not to afford quality food and essential nutrients for a healthy lifestyle. Living in remote areas where certain foodstuffs are not accessible and mobility is difficult, people do not have access to quality food. Diseases and medications affect the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the body, leading to deficiency of important nutrients.
Some medications affect taste, appetite, digestion, and metabolism and predispose adults to nutritional deficiencies. Psychological issues such as depression and anxiety cause loss of appetite and poor eating habits among older adults. Cultural taboos influence individuals from consuming certain foodstuff, irrespective of their nutritional benefits. Overall, the older adults’ healthy conditions determine their ability to access food, prepare, and eat them promptly and gain important nutrients into their bodies.