Homebound Elderly Men More Likely to Suffer Poor Nutrition

September 11, 2018

Tokyo- Elderly men who go out less than once a week are more likely to suffer poor nutrition than those who leave their house more often, a health ministry survey for 2017 showed Tuesday.

There was little difference in the nutritional status for elderly women, regardless of how often they go out.

"Elderly women tend to be more active while staying at home, doing their household chores," the ministry said. "Men who don't go out often tend to be physically inactive and not to consume much energy. They may be eating less as a result," it added.

The share of elderly men who said they go out once a week or more often stood at 94.8 pct for the age bracket of 65-74 and 92.6 pct for 75 or older.

For women, the share came to 97.2 pct and 87.5 pct, respectively.

Of people aged 65 or older, those with poor nutrition, defined as a body mass index of 20 or lower, accounted for 12.5 pct for men 19.6 pct for women, the survey said.

Of the undernourished portion, men who said they leave their home at least once a week accounted for 11.5 pct and those who said they go out less came to 28.6 pct.

There was little difference for women, standing at 19.5 pct and 18.6 pct, respectively.

The annual survey studied the daily lives and the muscle volume of the elderly for the first time. Among men and women aged 60 or older, the muscle volume in the four extremities is more likely to be larger for those who take more protein and spend more time doing physical work like carrying things.

"It's important (for the elderly) to pay attention to both diet and exercise in their daily lives" the ministry said.

The survey was conducted in November last year, covering 5,149 randomly selected households nationwide, of which 3,076 households answered. Jiji Press