Comment
Why unexpected weight loss in older people should not be ignored
Nurses need to debunk the myths about weight and appetite in older age

Nurses need to debunk the myths about weight in older age and protect patients from malnutrition
‘My GP told me that everyone loses weight when they get older. It’s a normal part of ageing.’
‘I never drink after 6pm; I have to keep getting up in the night to go to the toilet.’
‘Well she is 87, you wouldn’t expect her to eat much.’
As a nurse with more than 30 years’ experience and a nutrition nurse for 12 years, I have heard statements like those above and others like them many times. Nutrition and hydration in older people appear to be shrouded in myths for nurses and older people alike.
- RELATED: Stop blaming nurses
Want to read more?
Unlock full access to RCNi Plus today
Save over 50% on your first three months:
- Customisable clinical dashboard featuring 200+ topics
- Unlimited online access to all 10 RCNi Journals including Nursing Older People
- RCNi Learning featuring 180+ RCN accredited learning modules
- NMC-compliant RCNi Portfolio to build evidence for revalidation
- Personalised newsletters tailored to your interests
Already registered or subscribed? Log in

This article is not available as part of an institutional subscription. Why is this?
