Nutritional status of the very old: anthropometric and biochemical findings in apparently healthy women in old people's homes.

To obtain reference values for comparison with malnourished geriatric patients, the nutritional status of 50 apparently healthy women aged 75 or older living independently in two old people's homes in Heidelberg was examined. All women were able to walk, and were free from overt disease and signs of mental deterioration. Anthropometric measurements (body height and weight, triceps skinfold thickness, midarm circumference) and biochemical determinations of protein and vitamin status were performed.

[Malnutrition in old age--results of the Bethany nutrition study].

One of the nutritional problems in elderly people is undernutrition, which is multifactorial in origin: The causes cannot only be seen in poor nutrition. Physical handicaps such as problems with chewing and swallowing, difficulties to cut food, immobility and mental restrictions are responsible for reduced food intake and malnutrition. Psychic and socio-economic problems such as depression, life events and loneliness may reduce appetite; poverty also contributes to the risk of undernutrition.

[Malnutrition in geriatric patients: the Bethanien nutritional study].

Demographic developments in the Federal Republic of Germany indicate a future marked increase in the aged population. With this, there will be an increase in elderly patients. Malnutrition can contribute to disease as well as result from it.

[Malnutrition in the aged--effect of physical, mental, psychological and social factors].

The elderly are considered a risk group for malnutrition, due not only to poor nutrition, but also to other aspects of daily life which affect food intake and nutritional status. In this study 11 factors of physical, mental, psychical, and social origin have been defined as risk-factors leading to malnutrition. Their appearance in a group of 100 geriatric patients above the age of 75 years has been examined.

[Dietary habits of the aged--frequency of intake of foods of high nutritive value].

The high rate of malnutrition in the elderly suggests the need for increased availability of high nutrient density foods such as fruits, vegetables, milk, and whole grain products. An analysis of nutritional habits of 100 persons 75+ years showed that 75% had insufficient intake of whole grain products, 50% an insufficient intake of milk and dairy products, and 25% an insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables. Food intake was shown to be largely independent of such factors as sex, age, or life situation.