Weight and skeletal size: comparisons between elderly people living in the community and in sheltered housing

Abstract

Measurements of body weight and skeletal size were collected from 215 tenants living in sheltered housing in Scotland, and compared with data from a study of 890 men and women, aged over 65 and living at home in Nottingham. A comparison between these two sets of information indicates that differences in mean weights were marginal, but that in those living in sheltered housing in Scotland (who were significantly older, P< 0.001) demispan was shorter [P< 0.001) and weight for size was greater [P< 0.001). Results indicate that those living in sheltered housing in Scotland maintained body weight slightly better than their counterparts living at home, despite being in poorer health. Improved maintenance of body weight in those of greater age and poorer health may be due to the practical and social support provided in sheltered housing. While caution is required where data from two separate geographical regions are compared and while further support may be advisable for some, it appears that sheltered housing plays a role in the maintenance of nutritional status as age and frailty increase.