Sex Differences in the Association between Living Environmental Factors and Nutritional Status in Community-Dwelling Elderly Koreans

Dong Eun Kim, Hee-Sook Lim, Hyejin Ahn, Young Sun Kim and Yoo Kyoung Park
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Dong Eun Kim: Department of Medical Nutrition, Graduated School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea
Hee-Sook Lim: Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Yeonsung University, Anyang 14011, Korea
Hyejin Ahn: Department of Medical Nutrition, Graduated School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea
Young Sun Kim: New Aging Center, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea
Yoo Kyoung Park: Department of Medical Nutrition, Graduated School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-14

Abstract: The association between nutritional status and living environment among 703 community-dwelling participants (268 men and 435 women) aged 65 years and older was assessed. In this cross-sectional survey study, living environmental factors, health-related factors, and nutrition (the Nutrition Quotient for the Elderly scores; NQ-E) were assessed. NQ-E scores were significantly higher in men than women, as were diversity and behavior factor scores (diversity: men, 50.2 ± 16.1; women, 44.1 ± 17.5; behavior: men, 59.3 ± 16.9; women, 54.1 ± 16.6). Participants living with a spouse and engaging in frequent sports activities had significantly higher adjusted odds ratio (OR) for having a high NQ-E than those who lived alone and engaged in restful activities and hobbies (men: adjusted OR for high NQ-E = 8.99; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.35–59.56; women: adjusted OR for high NQ-E = 5.62; 95%CI: 2.36–13.38). We confirmed that women’s nutritional status, unlike men’s, was better when proper nutrition education was provided and when food security was guaranteed. For all participants, social activities and networks were important for maintaining good nutritional status and a healthy life. We suggest that different nutritional management strategies are needed for elderly people depending on sex.

Keywords: elderly; nutrition quotient for elderly (NQ-E); dietary behaviors; living environment; social activity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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