Factor Analysis of the Nutritional State of Elderly Persons with Care Needs

Abstract

[Purpose] This study investigated the factors affecting the nutritional state of elderly subjects with care needs, and their relationships with physical function, depression, and isolation. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 39 persons with care needs aged 65 or over. They were surveyed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), and to investigate the factors affecting the results, relationships with age, depressive tendency, and physical function, isolation were also investigated. [Result] Factors affecting MNA-SF were falls in the past year, BMI, and the geriatric depression scale, GDS5. [Conclusion] Rather than checking physical function, there is a need to regularly check BMI and the depressive tendency, poor nutrition of elderly persons with care needs.