Nutritional and Health Status of Korean Elderly Living in America

Kim, Hye Kyung

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was designed to describe in nutritional and health status of the Korean elderly residing in America using demographic variables, dietary, anthropometric and functional status indicators, and to investigate possible relationships among these variables. Sixty elderly persons aged 61-91 years were assessed in their homes. Dietary intake was estimated by the 24-hour recall and brief dietary questionnaire. The following anthropometric measures were taken : weight, height, knee height, triceps skinfold, and midarm circumference. Functional status was measured by activities of daily living(ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living(IADLs) questionnaires, and a measure of psychosocial status as "happiness score"(a life satisfaction questionnaire). Intakes of energy, calcium, magnesium, folacin, vitamin B6, and zinc were low in this elderly sample. Females 75 years of age and older had extremely low energy intakes. A large percentage of subjects reported difficulty with both activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Subjects over 75 years of age reported more difficulty than younger subjects for most activities. Gender differnces were seen in anthropometric variables and energy intake. Happiness scores were similar in subjects, regardless of age or gender, however, happiness score was significantly correlated with the energy and protein intake(p<0.05). Several difficulties were encountered during the assessment of this elderly sample. The conditions in the home were unpredictable and often inadequate for the anthropometric measures in particular. Further research is needed to improve current methodologies so that they may be more adaptable to the conditions found in homes.