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Nutritional status of functionally dependent and nonfunctionally dependent elderly in Taiwan.
1School of Nutrition and Institute of Nutritional Science, Chung Shan Medical and Dental College, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China. ych@mercury.csmc.edu.tw
Journal of the American College of Nutrition
|May 15, 2001
Summary
Functionally dependent elderly individuals show poorer nutritional status compared to their non-dependent peers. This highlights a critical need for targeted nutritional interventions in this vulnerable population to improve health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Functional dependence in the elderly is associated with various health challenges.
- Assessing nutritional status is crucial for understanding the health of elderly populations.
- Previous research indicates potential nutritional disparities among elderly subgroups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the nutritional status between functionally dependent and non-functionally dependent elderly individuals.
- To evaluate nutrient intake, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical parameters.
- To determine the prevalence of malnutrition using the Nutritional Risk Index (NRI).
Main Methods:
- Ninety-six elderly volunteers were categorized into functionally dependent (42) and non-functionally dependent (54) groups based on Activities of Daily Living (ADL).
- Data collected included demographic information, health status, 24-hour dietary recalls, food frequency questionnaires, anthropometric measurements (height, weight, skinfold thickness), and hematological/biochemical parameters.
- The Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) was calculated to assess malnutrition risk.
Main Results:
- The functionally dependent elderly group exhibited a higher prevalence of malnutrition (44.7%) compared to the non-functionally dependent group (25%) as determined by the NRI.
- While overall nutrient intake showed no significant differences, a higher percentage of functionally dependent elderly consumed less than 75% of the Taiwan Recommended Daily Nutrient Allowance (RDNA).
- Osteoporosis and hypertension were common chronic diseases in both groups, with functionally dependent individuals showing increased risk for chronic diseases and abnormal serum triglyceride levels.
Conclusions:
- Functionally dependent elderly individuals demonstrate a poorer nutritional status, indicating a higher risk of malnutrition.
- These individuals are at risk for inadequate iron intake and require attention for abnormal serum triglyceride concentrations.
- The findings underscore the need for tailored nutritional support and health monitoring for functionally dependent elderly to mitigate risks of chronic diseases and medication needs.