Effects of the provision of senior-friendly food packages on nutritional status and dietary habits among community-dwelling older adults living alone in South Korea.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

South Korea is transitioning into a super-aged society, where inadequate dietary intake among community-dwelling older adults leads to frailty, chronic diseases, and diminished quality of life. This study assessed the effects of providing senior-friendly foods on dietary intake and nutritional status, generating evidence to support food-based interventions that promote healthy, independent living among older adults.

SUBJECTS/

METHODS

In total, 144 participants were enrolled, comprising 103 and 41 individuals in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Over a 3-mon intervention period, the control group continued receiving existing meal services from the local government (the Customized Care Service for Older Adults), while the intervention group received senior-friendly food packages instead. Data were collected at baseline, upon concluding the 12-week intervention, and at 8 weeks post-intervention. General characteristics, oral health status, Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Nutrition Quotient for Elderly, nutrient intake, and the Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) were analyzed.

RESULTS

The intervention group (mean age: 79.2 yrs) had 2.1 chronic diseases and 2.6 medications, and 86% resided alone. Compared with the control group, the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in MNA scores over time, as well as in the time × group interaction (F = 4.439, P = 0.013; F = 7.480, P < 0.001). Nutrient intake, including energy, carbohydrates, fats, dietary fiber, calcium, and cholesterol (time, group, group × time P < 0.001), also significantly differed. INQ analysis revealed substantial improvements in protein, iron, magnesium, and vitamin B2. However, fat intake and certain INQ values declined at follow-up, and vitamin D intake remained low in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Senior-friendly food packages improve the nutritional status of community-dwelling older adults in the short term. To sustain these benefits and foster healthy, independent aging, establishing sustainable food support systems, implementing policy-level backing, and promoting the diversified development of senior-friendly food are imperative.