Final answer:
Decreased activities of daily living is an important risk factor for nutritional deficiency in the elderly, affecting their ability to obtain and prepare nutritious food, leading to increased vulnerability to undernutrition.
Step-by-step explanation:
An important risk factor for nutritional deficiency in the elderly is Decreased activities of daily living. As people age, they may experience a decline in physical function and mobility, which can lead to challenges in shopping for food, preparing meals, and feeding themselves. Moreover, underlying health issues such as chronic diseases or the use of certain medications can exacerbate the risk by affecting appetite or the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Additionally, age-related changes, such as a decrease in olfactory neuron replacement leading to age-related anosmia, contribute to less enjoyment of food and potentially poorer dietary choices, further increasing the risk of nutritional deficiencies.