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06:52
Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
Functional disabilities do not prevent the elderly in Finland from eating regular meals
Maija Katariina Kallio1, Seppo Väinö Pellervo Koskinen, Ritva Sylvia Prättälä
1National Public Health Institute, Department of Health and Functional Capacity, Mannerheimintie 166, FIN-00300 Helsinki, Finland. maija.kallio@agronomiliitto.fi
Appetite
|February 15, 2008
Summary
Most elderly people in Finland eat regular hot meals. However, lower socio-economic status is linked to less conventional meal patterns, highlighting a need for targeted support for independent living.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Maintaining regular meal patterns is crucial for the well-being and independent living of the elderly.
- Socio-demographic factors, functional capacity, and received assistance may influence adherence to conventional eating habits.
- Understanding these determinants is vital for developing effective support strategies for aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of various meal patterns among elderly individuals in Finland.
- To analyze how socio-demographic factors, functional capacity, and received help affect the adoption of a conventional meal pattern.
- To identify specific challenges faced by elderly individuals in maintaining regular and conventional meals.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a nationally representative sample of 1697 individuals aged 65 and over living in Finland.
- Data collected through structured personal interviews conducted between 2000 and 2001.
- Analysis focused on identifying correlations between meal patterns and various influencing factors.
Main Results:
- Regular hot meals are a common practice among the elderly population studied.
- Functional disability in food-related activities did not independently impact meal regularity.
- A conventional meal pattern (breakfast, hot lunch, hot dinner) was less common in elderly individuals with lower socio-economic status compared to those with higher education and income.
- Assistance with food-related activities positively contributed to maintaining a conventional meal pattern.
Conclusions:
- Socio-economic status significantly influences adherence to conventional meal patterns among the elderly.
- Help received in daily activities is a key factor in enabling elderly individuals to maintain their preferred meal routines.
- Targeted interventions addressing meal-related challenges in lower socio-economic groups are essential for promoting independent living among the elderly.
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