Risk for low weight in community-dwelling, older adults

The purpose of this study was to describe nutritional risk and low weight in community-dwelling elderly.

This cross-sectional exploratory study used in-depth interviews conducted on older adults with a body mass index <24 kg/m. Depression, mental state, nutrition, and demographic data were measured.

These elders (n = 130) were mostly female (55%, n = 71), married, white (84%, n = 109), and had a greater than a high school education. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, 3 variables were statistically significantly associated with being severely underweight: those who self-reported having an illness or condition that changed the kind and/or amount of food eaten, unintentional weight loss of 10 lb in the last 6 months, and needing assistance with traveling outside the home.

Awareness of the high nutritional risk should prompt consideration of early, appropriate assessment and therapy to prevent malnutrition and a declining quality of life.