The purpose of this study is to determine risks for hypo-nutrition among elderly people living in private retirement homes and to evaluate their needs for nutrition care. We studied 650 elderly people (mean age 84.6±6.3 yrs) in private retirement homes by evaluating the levels of risks for hypo-nutrition by using the method employed by nursing insurance facilities to assess nutrition care and management. The risk factor for those with BMI of less than 18 . 5 kg/m² was examined by logistic regression analysis. In assessment of risks for hypo-nutrition, 31 . 1% of those with BMI>18 . 5 kg/m² and 35 . 7 % of those with the meal intake of ≤75% were in the moderate to high risk groups. Those with moderate risks for weight losses were 12 . 3% and those with high risks 8 . 9% respectively. In this study, .those needing nursing care (≥level 4)., .those with high risks for weight losses., .those whose meal intake was ≤75%., .those needing medical care for bedsores. and .those needing medical management of intravenous drips. were significant factors for BMI of >18 . 5 kg/m². Hypo-nutrition (BMI>18 . 5 kg/m² and meal intake ≤75%) was found in 30% or more of residents in private retirement homes. These data suggest the need for creating a system for detecting nutritional deterioration among residents in retirement homes at an early stage.

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