Comparison of nutritional status in the elderly according to living situations

Aim This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of elderly individuals living alone and with their families. Participants and Method The sample of the study included 872 elderly individuals who agreed to participate in the study, were aged 65 or over, and lived in Ankara. The data were gathered from a survey, using face-to-face interviews. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used in evaluating each individual’s nutrition. Results The rate of malnutrition in the study population was 5% while the malnutrition risk was 67%. The rate of malnutrition in the individuals living alone was found to be higher than that of those living with their families. The rates of malnutrition in individuals living alone and with their families were, respectively, 7% and 4%, and the rates of malnutrition risk in individuals living alone and with their families were, respectively, 73% and 66% (p