PD1025 - FOOD SUPPLY AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN HOME-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS – PRELIMINARY DATA FROM AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

PD1025

FOOD SUPPLY AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN HOME-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS – PRELIMINARY DATA FROM AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

A. Elde^1,*, J. Dierkes², B. S. Husebø¹, Z. Sabir¹

¹Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, ²Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway

Rationale: Older adults’ nutritional status is affected by food environment, e.g. distance to grocery stores, support of family, isolation or increased food expenses. We investigated the relationship of factors related to food supply and preparation with malnutrition risk in home-dwelling older adults.

Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study is currently being conducted in Bergen, Norway aiming at inclusion of 200 home-dwelling older adults ≥65 years. Food supply and preparation are evaluated by a study specific questionnaire. Health-related quality of life is assessed using EQ-5D-5L. Nutritional status is assessed by the Nutrition Risk Screening-2002 and the GLIM criteria for diagnosis of malnutrition. Body composition is measured by BIA, height, body weight, waist circumference, mid upper arm circumference and triceps skinfold thickness. Handgrip strength is measured by a handheld dynamometer.

Results: As of March 2026, 66 participants have been enrolled, with a mean age of 73 years (SD=4.7). Preliminary data demonstrated that 6%, 65%, 14% and 15% of participants were underweight (BMI <20.5), normal weight (BMI 20.5-27) overweight (BMI 27-30) or had obesity (BMI >30), respectively. None of the participants were at risk of malnutrition. Data showed that only 32% lived more than 1 km away from their nearest grocery store. We found that 39% lived alone, while 58% lived with their partner, whereas 75% had family that could help them in their everyday life. Data showed that 90% were satisfied with the food they consumed, while 7% were affected by economic challenges. An updated analysis of the complete sample (n≈200) will be ready by the 48^th ESPEN Congress.

Conclusion: The current study will contribute to identify important factors related to food environment and living situation for maintaining good nutritional status in home-dwelling older adults.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared