The assessment of older people’s abilities to self-service and self-care with regard of nutritional behaviours

Abstract

Aim. The assessment of daily living skills of persons over 70 years living in the Brzostek region, who do not need regular medical-nursing care.

Material and methods. The following standardized scales for the geriatric evaluation have been used: the MNA, Barthel, Lawtona scales and the shortened Tinetti test. The study comprised 57 persons aged 70-96 years (23 men and 34 women). The whole group did not demand constant care of the community nurse. The gender differences between study groups were taken into account.

Results. Only 28% persons lived alone. The mean value of BMI was 27.3±4.9kg/m² (19.0-37.3 kg/m²). The loss of the appetite was declared 5.3% and moderate loss – by 21.0% of persons. The overweight and obesity were stated in 73.6% persons. The same or better subjective health status was given by 47.4%. Three and more medicines were taken significantly more often by women (88%) than men (48%; p=0.0102). Self-reliance was confirmed by 8.8% persons and 82.5% of persons moved without any assistance.

Conclusions. The gender did not have significant influence on the nutritional status, physical fitness, combined everyday activities and the risk of falls.