title: Recording the nutrient intake of nursing home residents by food weighing method and measuring the physical activity.
abstract: The nutrient intake of 47 female nursing home residents, able to eat without help, and of 20 eating-dependent seniors was measured by weighing method. Hand grip strength was examined by a dynamometer. Furthermore the level of physical activity of the seniors able to eat without help was determined by means of a questionnaire. The results showed that the median energy intake of self-feeding elderly women was 1620 kcal (850-4450 kcal). More than one third of the seniors consumed less than 1700 kcal / d. The intake of vitamins and minerals remained below 40-90% of the recommended level. One important cause for the inadequate micronutrient intake was that 30% of the total energy intake is met by foods of a low nutrient density (cakes, cookies, spreadable fats, soups). The eating-dependent seniors were at high risk for protein-calorie malnutrition, consuming an average of 1130 kcal / d and 34 g protein / d. The level of physical activity was very low. Only 34% of the seniors were active for more than 2 hours per week (walking, gymnastics). 30% of the residents were largely inactive although they were able to walk. It is often ignored that immobility is a major risk factor for the development of malnutrition. Firstly inactivity accelerates the loss of muscle mass. This loss of metabolically active tissue decreases the energy requirements thus leading to a loss of appetite and reduced food intake.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Health, University of Paderborn, Germany.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weiss
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Heseker
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004435:Eating; D002149:Energy Intake; D005248:Feeding Methods; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D018737:Hand Strength; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D009735:Nursing Homes; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009753:Nutritive Value; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D018977:Micronutrients; D014815:Vitamins