The nutritional status of 70 year olds in Jerusalem

Inadequate nutrition is a major problem of elderly people today, a rapidly growing segment of western societies. Yet information on the nutritional state of the elderly in the community is much needed. We surveyed the nutritional status of a cohort of 70 year olds living in western Jerusalem. A total of 605 persons were interviewed in their home regarding socioeconomic variables, education, self-assessed global health status, use of medicines, and activities of daily living (ADL). In the second stage, a subsample of 463 of the above attended an outpatient geriatric clinic where a medical history was taken and a physical examination, a cognitive test, a psychological profile, blood and urine tests, electrocardiogram, pulmonary function tests, and grip strength measurement performed. Most of the sample population lived at home. Twelve percent reported having severe financial problems. Approximately 14% exhibited some cognitive problems, 83% were totally independent in ADL, and only 15% were housebound with 2.5% being bedbound. Body mass index (BMI) of < 19 kg/m² was found in 1.1% of the population, while obesity, defined as a BMI > 30 kg/m², was found in 13.5% of males and 28.6% of females. Polypharmacy was prevalent. A quarter of the study population were taking three or more prescription drugs. Serum triglycerides were below the normal limit in 7.3% of males and 4.7% of females, while total serum cholesterol concentrations were low in 13.9% and 4.7% of males and females respectively. Serum albumin was found below the lower limit of normal (35 g/l in 16.9% of females and 11.4% of males. The significance of these results, their relation to other nutritional surveys, and their implications for the future are discussed.