Interrelationship Between Loneliness, Nutritional Status, and Physical Activity Among Community-dwelling Older People: A Cross-sectional Study

Authors : Nurvet Büyükyörük, Gizem Helvacı, Kerime Öğüt Düzen
Pages : 227-236
Doi:10.47141/geriatrik.1616708
View : 108 | Download : 124
Publication Date : 2025-12-31
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the loneliness, physical activity, and malnutrition status of older people and determine the relationship between them. Materials and Methods: The data of the cross-sectional study were collected from 204 older people using a questionnaire between May and June 2024. The questionnaire includes questions regarding general information, the mini nutritional assessment short-form (MNA-SF), the loneliness scale of the elderly (LSE), and the physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 24. Results: The mean total LSE score of the older people was 6.8±5.4, the mean total MNA-SF score was 11.8±2.2, and the mean total PASE score was 85±66.9. The LSE scores of those who were single, who lived in a village/district, and who did not graduate from any school (only literate) were higher (p<0.05). The total LSE scores were lower in older people with normal nutritional status compared to those at risk of malnutrition (p<0.05). The total PASE score was positively correlated with the MNA-SF score (r=0.348, p<0.05). There was no correlation between the PASE and LSE scores (r=-0.081, p>0.05). Conclusion: Good nutritional status is associated with less feelings of loneliness and higher levels of physical activity in older people. Interventions to increase social participation in older people and interventions to provide nutrition training for the management of malnutrition should be made. It is also essential to raise awareness among adults in the community to provide physical, financial, and emotional support to their older parents.
Keywords : Yaşlı Bireyler, Malnütrisyon, Yalnızlık, Fiziksel Aktivite

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