Introduction:

Population ageing is a worldwide phenomenon that puts the organism through several anatomical, functional, biochemical and psychological changes with repercussions on health conditions. Malnutrition is described by several authors as a common condition in older adults. In this sense, knowing the factors that contribute to malnutrition is an important information for health professionals who care for the older adults on their daily lives.

Objective:

To identify the risk factors that contribute to malnutrition in the elderly.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was developed according to the methodology of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Studies with focus on the risk factors were searched for, with people aged ≥ 60 years old living in any setting. The critical analysis, extraction and synthesis of the results were developed by two independent researchers.

Results:

A total of 13 articles were included, with a total of 21568 elderly people and a predominance of women (59.6%). Of the total sample, 2349 (10.9%) were identified as being at risk of malnutrition and 7796 (36.1%) as malnourished. The factors that contribute to malnutrition are several, including age, depression, cognitive deterioration, socioeconomic level, education and institutionalization.

Conclusions:

In this context, the need for a multidimensional and multidisciplinary intervention that responds to the health condition of the elderly is reinforced.

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