[Demand by the elderly for "meals-on-wheels" services].
A survey was performed to assess the demand for "meals-on-wheels" services by elderly persons living alone in N. city (Osaka Prefecture). The purpose of this study was to identify the factors which are related to the demand for such services. Subjects of this study were 1,853 elderly persons of whom responses were received from 1,783 (95.2%). The percentage of the subjects who needed meal delivery services was 64.5%. Physical condition, living conditions, and dietary habits all correlated significantly with the demand. Elderly who were in poor health, were less affluent, or had trouble preparing meals and performing other housework, expressed a need for "meals-on-wheels" services and asked for more services than others. Those who requested meal delivery services had poorer dietary habits than those who did not. Also, there was more demand for these services by elderly male, as well as those elderly with poor dietary habits. The poorer the quality of life of the elderly person correlated with a greater desire for "meals-on-wheels" services. This study showed that there was a great demand among the elderly living alone for "meals-on-wheels" services. While food is one of the basic elements in life, it is often taken for granted, and meal delivery services for the elderly have been largely neglected. The need for urgent improvement and expansion of meal delivery services for this population is indicated by this study.
Nakura
I
I
Suzuka University of Medical Science and Technology.
Tatara
K
K
Shinsho
F
F
Fukuda
H
H
Nakajima
K
K
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005522:Food Services; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012847:Single Person; D017805:Widowhood