Department of Geriatric Medicine, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden. Correspondence: Professor Bertil Steen, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Göteborg University, Vasa Hospital, SE 411 33 GÖTEBORG, Sweden. Tel +46-31-61 77 60. Fax +46-31-20 81 03. E-mail bertil.steen@geriatrik.gu.se

Abstract: Preventive nutrition in the elderly is reviewed also from points of view of the concepts of prevention, nutrition and old age, respectively. The demographic, medical, psychosocial and other differences between individuals of the same age but belonging to different birth cohorts are emphasized, as well as the need for a multifactorial preventive approach. The interaction between dietary aspects and physical activity is discussed, and it is also pointed out that risk indicators and risk factors may be different in old age compared to middle life. Finally, public health aspects and "hospital malnutrition" are dealt with in this review. Journ. of Nutr. Health & Aging 2000; 4 (2): 114-119

Key words: prevention, nutrition, elderly, public health, review