Elderly New Zealanders may not realise they need to eat more than they do.
A Massey University study's found almost three quarters of older adults admitted to hospital are malnourished or at risk of becoming so.
The average age of those in the study is 84.
Massey University researcher Carol Wham told Kate Hawkesby older people tend to have less of an appetite because their energy needs aren't as high.
"They feel that they can get away with just very small snacks when in actual fact people need to eat quite regularity during the day and eat nutrient dense kind of foods."
LISTEN ABOVE AS CAROL WHAM SPEAKS WITH KATE HAWKESBY
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