2025 Volume 68 Issue 10 Pages 573-582
This study aimed to ascertain the actual physical condition and eating habits of community-dwelling elderly people and to evaluate the effectiveness of individualized nutritional counseling (intervention) in promoting preventive care and health. A food intake frequency survey (BDHQ), grip strength measurements, and a lifestyle survey (before and after the intervention) were conducted with 48 elderly people (6 males and 42 females) living in the community. The intervention’s effects on these respondents are presented in this study. Although the elderly people were generally well-nourished and physically active, individual assessments revealed that some were at risk of undernutrition, had low grip strength, or had a body mass index below 21.5 (kg/m2). Many also had diseases that could lead to a future need for nursing care. After approximately 3 months of nutritional counseling (intervention) provided by a dietitian, the number of participants at risk of low dietary intake decreased, and salt intake declined. Notably, those who requested “counseling about salt” exhibited a slight improvement in seasoning practices and overall food intake, in addition to reduced salt intake. These results suggest that even for elderly people with a relatively well-maintained quality of life, early involvement by dietitians in preventive care and health promotion efforts can significantly contribute to improving nutritional status.
