Mini nutritional assessment in the elderly: living alone, with family and nursing home in Turkey

Purpose - This study was aimed at assessing the anthropometry and the nutritional status of a sample of the elderly in Turkey. It was designed as a cross-sectional study using the mini nutritional assessment (MNA) scores to assess the nutritional status of the elderly living alone, with their family, and in nursing homes.Design methodology approach - The work was planned and carried out so as to assess nutritional status and MNA of 429 elderly people, aged 65 years and over living with their family (n = 246), in nursing homes (n = 127) or alone (n = 56). Body weight, height, mid upper arm and calf circumference of elderly people was measured and they were asked personal questions. The list of questions included if the person pursues an independent life, the number of meals and food groups they consumed, the answers of which were scored and then assessed. With regard to MNA scale, a score of