A simple structured assessment of the problem should always be the first step. This should include the degree of undernutrition,dietary intake and habits, risk factors,aversive feeding behaviours,and needs for assistance. Suitable assessments and scales will be highlighted in the full report, with evidence for their validity. Nutritional
support is the next step, since simple dietary advice, coupled with assessment and management of risk factors, and attention to needs for feeding assistance may be enough to address the problem.Current guidelines for older people highlight the need for protein to build muscle mass (for example, two to three servings a day of meat,fish or eggs), three or four servings a day of milk and dairy products,and at least five portions of fruit and vegetable per day.