J Am Geriatr Soc. 2025 Sep 12. doi: 10.1111/jgs.70042. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Older adults are at an increased risk of malnutrition due to chronic diseases and social vulnerabilities. This study estimates protein-energy malnutrition mortality rates among adults aged 65-74 and ≥ 75 by race and ethnic population group and county.
METHODS: We analyzed death data from the National Vital Statistics System and population data from the National Center for Health Statistics from 2000 to 2019. We calculated county-level mortality rates using small-area estimation methods, adjusting for misclassifications in death certificates. The primary outcome was deaths attributed to malnutrition. The exposures were to populations (American Indian/Alaskan Native [AIAN], Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latino, and White) and the county.
RESULTS: From 2000 to 2019, malnutrition mortality rates increased in individuals aged ≥ 75 from 19.5 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 18.8-20.1) to 49.2 (48.4-50.0) deaths per 100,000, and in those aged 65-74 from 2.2 (2.0-2.3) to 4.6 (4.4-4.7). In 2019, Black individuals had the highest national mortality rates: 60.8 (58.2-63.3) for ≥ 75 years and 7.7 (7.3-8.2) for 65-74 years. In 2019, a county in Georgia had the highest rate for White individuals aged ≥ 75 at 334.9 (236.6-464.8), and a county in Montana had the highest for AIAN individuals aged 65-74 at 34.9 (13.1-72.0). Counties in the New York metro had the lowest mortality rates across all population groups and ages.
CONCLUSION: Malnutrition mortality rates have increased among older adults, varying by geography and population group, underscoring the need for targeted nutritional interventions.
PMID:40939057 | DOI:10.1111/jgs.70042
