Relation to functional and nutritional status among hospitalized elderlies

Abstract

Introduction: Adding years to life is a great achievement when this is accompanied by a good level of health and well-being and independence. Major indicators for prediction mortality risk in older adults are the nutrition status and physical functional ability. The aim of this study is to present the nutritive and functional status among institutionalized elderlies and the relatedness with certain risk factors. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study has been conducted at certain nursing homes with participation of individuals over 60 years old. As for the research Scale of Daily Living Activities (ADL) has been used to present the functional capacity of the elderly and MNA has been used to detect the nutrition status. Results: The results from the research conducted among elderlies have shown the following socio-demographic characteristics: out of 127 participants, most of them were females-77% and 69% at the age between 75 and 84. Most of the elderlies (in 68%) have completed secondary education. The results from MNA have shown that 69,2% are well-nourished, 27,6% are at risk for malnutrition and 3,2% are malnourished. There is a relatedness of the nutrition status with the gender (p < 0,001) and the level of education (p < 0,001).ADL scale among 127 elderly participants has shown that 37% are independent, 45% are with a moderate impairment and 18% are with severe functional impairment. In comparison with the females, the males show higher level of functional ability in all ADL components except the continence. Conclusion: The results from the research have shown that the nutrition status among elderlies is satisfactory, emphasizing the factors such as gender, education level and functional ability as key points for the level of nutrition status at the elderlies.