The national prevalence of malnutrition in older adults living in the community and residential care (non-nursing home) is not known. We determined the prevalence of malnutrition (Mini-Nutritional Assessment) in a representative sample (N=4472) living in the community (95%) or residential care (5%), and examined known nutrition risk factors (inflammation [hsCRP, IL-6], socio-demographic variables). The majority (68%) were nourished, 26% were at risk, and 6% were malnourished. Those living in residential care vs community were more likely to be malnourished (12% vs 5%, respectively p<.01). Compared to nourished group, those with malnutrition were more likely to have hsCRP greater than median (1.36) (OR = 1.45 [95% CI 1.01-1.92]) and those at nutritional risk were more likely to have IL-6 greater than median (4.22) (OR=1.34 [95% CI 1.09-1.63]). Malnourished older adults were more likely to be older, female, live alone, report worse self-reported health, and use Meals on Wheels (p <.05).
Little is known about community-dwelling older adults’ outdoor activity and the relationship between physical function and frequency of going outside. Using the 2017 NHATS (N = 4,465), we looked at self-reported outdoor frequency (Likert scale: every day to once a week or less) and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB; participants completed five different physical activities to measure physical performance; total scores ranged from 0, not attempted, to 12, the best). A logistic model comparing community-dwelling older adults going out most days (18.3%), some days (10.3%), or rarely/never (3.4%) to those going out every day found ORs of 0.85, 0.70, and 0.58 respectively (all p<0.0001) for a one-unit increase in SPPB score. Interdisciplinary teams can use findings to assess disabled community-dwelling older adults’ frequency of going outdoors. Implications for interventions to assist with increasing times leaving the home (e.g. mobility devices, caregiver assistance) will be discussed.
A gap in knowledge exists related to the socio-demographic and health characteristics of older adults receiving wound care from a family caregiver in the home. We created a cohort (N=992) of older adults from NHATS who lived in the community or residential care (non-nursing home) and had a family caregiver complete the NSOC question “provides help with skin care related to wounds or sores”. Approximately one third (32%) of these older adults received wound care from a family caregiver. These older adults were more likely to be men, live with others, have lower levels of physical function, be malnourished (OR = 1.63 [95% CI = 1.02-2.60]), and have inflammation (hsCRP > median 1.89), P < .05. These findings can inform the needs of older adults receiving wound care from a family caregiver and lead to development of additional supports for caregivers (e.g., multi-component interventions).
There is emerging literature about older adults’ experience of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic in long term care (LTC) facilities due to isolation protocols. Additionally, staff challenges while providing care for older adults in LTC has also been highlighted. While the literature emphasizes negative pandemic experiences, a gap exists with understanding resilience during the pandemic in LTC settings. The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the experience of resilience in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) among residents, their family members, and staff. We conducted 19 in-person interviews and 1 via Zoom in fall 2021 with 5 residents (65 and older), 5 family members, and 10 staff (e.g., administrators, nurses, nursing assistants). A conventional content analysis was employed. While we did hear how the pandemic had a negative impact on everyone, the main themes of resilience identified were: 1) overcoming the pandemic together (sense of community); 2) experience and adaptation (over time being able to adapt to the disruption in their life); 3) staying safe (engaging in precautions and self-care strategies); and 4) positivity (mindset of getting through anything and relying on spirituality). Study findings can inform CCRC administrators on how to support residents, their family, and staff during future pandemics and other challenging times that may disrupt normal routines.
Nutritional status can impact the healing of chronic leg wounds (CLW). This secondary data analysis examined characteristics associated with nutritional status among aging adults (N=62, M= 57.5, SD 12.1 years of age) living with a CLW who were enrolled in a randomized control trial to test a novel ultrasound intervention on wound healing. Nutritional status (Mini-Nutrition Assessment, [MNA]), physical and mental health (36-Item Short-Form Health Status Survey), and inflammation (high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein [CRP]) were measured at baseline. Majority of the participants were male (54.8%), non-Hispanic Black (67.7%) and either malnourished or at risk of malnutrition (64.5%). Compared to individuals with normal nutrition, individuals with malnutrition or risk for malnutrition had on average poorer physical health (38.7 vs 33.4, p <0.01), mental health (52.4 vs 45.8, p=0.03) and greater inflammation (CRP=13.4 vs 24.0, p=0.05). Tailored interventions targeting nutritional status, inflammation, physical and mental health are needed in aging adults with CLW.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.