An attempt to identify and describe a group of non-institutionalised elderly with the lowest nutrient score

This report presents an attempt to identify the elderly with the least satisfactory diet (those with the 20% lowest total nutrient score (Group A)). Group A is compared with the elderly with the most satisfactory diet (those with the 20% highest total nutrient score (Group B)). The groups were compared according to demographical data, health problems, body mass index (BMI), social isolation and utilization of services. The sample, 201 women and 54 men, mean age 82 and 80 years, respectively, consisted of non-institutionalised elderly in Oslo. A food frequency interview method was used to collect information about diet. Other data were collected through interviews, observation and physical examinations. Group A had a higher percentage of women (87 vs 68%), were of higher age (83 vs 81 years), and a higher percentage had a BMI below 20 kg/m2 (36 vs 19%). The elderly in A, regardless of gender, had lower mobility function and were less often out of doors during the summer than those in B. No differences were seen in the percentages of those wearing dentures (81 vs 78%), living alone (83 vs 77%), duration of education (8.3 vs 8.4 years), and economic limitations on food purchases.