[Nutritional status and body composition of the erderly at the Geriatric Center in Subotica]

Nutritional assessment is the most effective way of preventing obesity and malnutrition in the elderly.

The aim of our study was to assess the nutritional status of people living in the nursing home, and to determine blood glucose and arterial blood pressure.

In November 2017, thirty-six people aged over 60 were included in the study. The body composition was determined by bioimpedance scale 'In Body 230'. The fasting blood glucose level was determined by a digital blood glucose meter and the arterial blood pressure was determined by a digital blood pressure monitor.

Body composition of the participants showed that 36.1% are classified as overweight (body mass index [BMI] 25-29.9 kg/m²) and 36.1% as obese (BMI≥30.0 kg/m²). Obesity (50%) is predominantly recorded at the age of 75-84 years. 44% of the subjects did not have a glycemic response, with an average fasting blood sugar of 7.27 ± 2.03 mmol/L. The mean arterial blood pressure was 143.6/79.5 mmHg. Nearly 60% of the examined elderly people are hypertensive.

Obesity was diagnosed in more than one third of the elderly and 70% had high cardiovascular comorbidity. According to these findings, nursing homes need to pay more attention to the amount and quality of meals in order to avoid complications. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(9): 349-358.