Diet and nutritional status of elderly people depending on their place of residence.

Background: The main problems in nutrition among elderly people are insufficient consumption of high energy protein and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. Obesity or malnutrition in this age group is also common. The character of the diet of the elderly is affected by many factors, including the place of residence.

Objective: The aim of this work was to compare the diet and nutritional status of elderly people living in nursing homes and in their family homes in West Pomeranian Voivodeship region.

Material And Methods: The study was performed among 48 citizens of Drawsko Pomorskie (DP) and 79 residents of Nursery Home (NH) in Żabów. For the study we used a questionnaire containing questions about anthropometric data which served to assess nutritional state. The assessment of diets of the citizens of Drawsko Pomorskie was performed based on the menus collected using a 24-hour diet recall. Energy and nutritional value of the diets of NH residents were assessed on the basis of decade menus. Obtained results were compared to current recommendations.

Results: Two examined groups comprised of both underweight and obese people. The residents of NH in Żabów consumed more energy, protein, fat, cholesterol and carbohydrates, whereas people from DP – more dietary fibre. Diets of the citizens of DP were characterized by excessive consumption of sodium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper and vitamins: A, B2, B6, B12 and niacin, and insufficient consumption of potassium, calcium, magnesium and vitamins: D, E, C and folates. The diets of people living in family homes were excessive in sodium, phosphorus, iron, copper and vitamins: A, B1, B6, C and niacin, and contained too little calcium, magnesium and vitamins D, E and folates.

Conclusion: It was shown that the place of residence of examined people affected their diets and nutritional status. Both in case of people living in NH and in family homes there was a risk of underweight and obesity, which could be affected by improper way of nutrition.