NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN ELDERLY

Abstract

Background: Nutritional status has an essential role in older person. Nutrition helps to promote health and slow down the progression of the diseases. The impact of malnutrition resultsin the loss of the mass muscle, functional impairment and decreased the quality of life. Objective:This study examined the relationship between nutritional status and quality of life among elderly in West Sumatera. Materials:A Total 125 aged person living at Elderly Center in West Sumatera, 76 men (60.8%) and 49 women (39.2%). Methods: Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and WHO Quality of Life –BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) were used to assess nutritional status and quality of life in elderly.Results: Twenty seven (21.6%) patients were well-nourished, 84 (67.2%) were at high risk to malnutrition while 14 (11.2%) were malnourished. Total sample were at risk of malnutrition and have lower QoL. About 7(25.9%) well-nourished patients also have lower QoL, which may be caused by their health condition. Conclusions:There were significant relationship between nutritional status and QoL among elderly people.