Final answer:
Malnutrition in the elderly most likely affects low-income elders due to a combination of factors including limited financial resources, health conditions, and possible social isolation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Malnutrition in the elderly is likely to affect those with limited resources to purchase food, including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses that affect appetite or digestion, and those facing socioeconomic disadvantages. Among these vulnerable groups, low-income elders stand out as a demographic particularly at risk of malnutrition.
Several risk factors are associated with malnutrition among the elderly, such as poverty, chronic health conditions, and social isolation. Poverty limits access to adequate nutrition, which is essential for maintaining health, especially for the elderly who might have specific dietary needs. Additionally, chronic illnesses can lead to decreases in appetite, alterations in taste, and difficulties with eating or food absorption. Furthermore, older adults taking excessive medication may experience drug-nutrient interactions or side effects that suppress appetite or affect nutrient absorption. Social isolation, often experienced by widowed women and men, might contribute to inadequate nutritional intake due to a lack of social support and resources. However, out of the options provided, low-income elders represent a composite of several risk factors, making them more susceptible to malnutrition.