Background

We know that malnutrition is widespread among the elderly also in Western countries. In Norway, smaller sample studies from hospitals and institutions have shown that malnutrition often occurs in the elderly. We lack robust figures on the prevalence of malnutrition in a larger population of stay-at-home seniors and seniors in nursing homes.

Data material from HUNT4 70+ allows us to describe important indicators of nutritional status in both the elderly living at home and the elderly in an institution.

Purpose

Clarify the prevalence of malnutrition in a larger population of stay-at-home seniors and seniors in nursing homes.

Methods

The project utilizes data that was collected in HUNT4 70+ (2019-2019). This material includes data on body composition and nutritional status among seniors ≥70 years of age, as well as data from self-reported questionnaires and clinical examinations conducted at field stations, on home visits and in nursing homes.

Cooperating Institutions and External Financing

• NTNU (INB, ISM, IKOM)
• St. Olav's Hospital
• National Competence Service Ageing and Health
• National Competence Service for Disease-Related Malnutrition