Nutritional status of functionally dependent and nonfunctionally dependentelderly in Taiwan

Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure and compare nutritional status of the functionally dependent elderly with those nonfunctionally de pendent elderly by assessing nutrient intake, anthropometric measurements, hematological and biochemical parameters, and the nutritional risk index (N RI). Methods: Ninety-six volunteers (42 functionally dependent elderly, 54 nonfu nctionally dependent elderly) participated in this study. The items of acti vity of daily living (ADL) were assessed to determine functional status. De mographic and health data were collected at the time of interview. Subjects completed 23-hour diet recall and food frequency questionnaires. Height, w eight and skinfold thickness measurements were taken. Hematological and bio chemical parameters were measured. The NRI was then calculated. Results: Osteoporosis and hypertension were the most frequently reported ch ronic diseases. A small proportion of the elderly with functional dependenc e (9.5%) and with nonfunctional dependence (13%) had a body mass index (BMI ) (less than or equal to 21 kg/m(2)), indicating they were underweight. The re were no significant differences in nutrient intake between the two group s. However, a higher percentage of the functionally dependent elderly had a nutrient intake of less than 75% of the Taiwan Recommended Daily Nutrient Allowance (RDNA). The functionally dependent group had a higher prevalence of malnutrition than the nonfunctionally dependent group (44.7% vs. 25%) ba sed on the NRI. Conclusions: These functionally dependent elderly people exhibited a poorer nutritional status than the nonfunctionally dependent elderly. The elderly with functional dependence were at risk for inadequate iran intake and abn ormal serum triglyceride concentrations; they were also at greater risk for chronic diseases and had a greater need for medications.