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Evaluation of the nutritional risk among vulnerable seniors
Author(s) -
Hong Mee Young,
Min Jong Won,
Elkins Patcharie,
Piwowarski Maureen
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.808.6
Subject(s) - medicine , marital status , gerontology , malnutrition , outreach , poverty , environmental health , meal , population , law , economics , economic growth , political science
Balanced nutrition is an essential component to successful aging and quality of life through maintenance of physical health, mental functioning, and social engagement. The importance of nutrition is more pronounced in economically vulnerable seniors. The purpose of the study was to determine the level of nutritional risk and examine factors significant to the nutritional risk status of low‐income senior meal program participants. Data came from 1,750 participants (843 men, 893 women) aged 60+, served by senior meal programs in San Diego County. A ten‐item measure of Nutritional Risk Status was used. Results showed that 22.4% were at moderate risk for malnutrition and 68.7% malnourished, while only 8.9% had a good nutritional status. Those with the highest nutritional risk included Hispanics (P=0.007), Blacks (P=0.004), and those with an income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (P<0.001). Married participants had the lowest nutritional risk compared to other marital statuses (P <0.001). Home delivered meal participants had higher nutritional risk than congregate meal participants (P<0.001). Raising awareness of nutritional status may motivate at‐risk groups of seniors to initiate steps toward improving their health. Education and outreach strategies appropriate for these groups should be considered. Further efforts are warranted to ameliorate the nutritional status of vulnerable seniors.