Malnutrition is a 

state of nutrition where a person has a deficiency, excess or imbalance of

energy, protein and other nutrients which greatly affects their body form and functions. It is a
significant and neglected public health problem that already affects billion of people worldwide.
Malnutrition affects the physical and psycho-social wellbeing of a person by predisposing to
serious health issues, including underdeveloped growth, eye problems, diabetes and heart
diseases, reducing the likelihood of their independence, social isolation and poverty.

Malnutrition in the community is particularly under-recognized. It is not given the attention it

warrants and often overshadowed by health issue such as obesity. The risk and prevalence of
malnutrition increase with age. Malnutrition in the elderly population are important areas of
concern because the prevalence in older people is particularly high. It affects over 10% of the
population aged 65 years and above. Malnutrition contributes to progressive decline in health
of the elderly people. It results to reduced of their physical and cognitive functional status. It
also increased utilization of health care services, and they are less likely to recover from
malnutrition that increase the risk of mortality.