ABSTRACT
Introduction: Nutrition education for carers and elders seems effective in improving health and malnutrition, though evidence is limited. This review aims to assess its impact on malnutrition and quality of life for both groups.
Material and Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across three databases (Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar). Studies in Greek or English published in the last 20 years were selected. Inclusion criteria focused on participants aged ≥ 65 years, at risk of or malnourished. The Registration Number is 216473013268.
Results: The initial search yielded 249 papers from PubMed and Scopus, and 12 from Google Scholar. After removing duplicates, 241 studies remained. The title, abstract, and participant criteria of each were checked, and studies not meeting the criteria were excluded. Ultimately, 9 studies remained. The search process is outlined in the PRISMA flowchart (Figure 1).
Conclusions: This review found that nutrition education has a dual effect, as it equips caregivers with the knowledge and skills to reduce malnutrition’s impact on older adults and improve both caregivers’ and elders’ well-being.
Keywords: elders, malnutrition, caregivers, inadequate food intake, caregiver, nutrition, education.
