Discussion
Among this large group of older people selected for an RCT
those aged 75+years, women, living alone, taking multiple
medications, with depressive symptoms, CVD and diabetes
were at moderate or high nutrition risk. By comparison those
at low nutrition risk had a better functional status and physical
and social health related QOL. To our knowledge, there are no
similar large studies of the association between nutrition risk
and comprehensive health measures in older people using
validated instruments.
Female gender predicted higher nutrition risk. Older women
are more likely than men to be at risk of under-nutrition, report
poorer health and have multiple chronic diseases (20). Gender
discrepancy in nutrition risk status is complex and poorly
understood and may escalate age related muscle loss and result
in poor function (21). Older women are more likely to be
widowed and live alone compared to men, both of which are
known nutrition risk factors. Women who lose their spouse
report higher levels of food insecurity and difficulty accessing
food due to transport difficulties (22). Companionship too is an
important preventative measure especially after the loss of a
spouse.
Living alone was an independent nutrition risk factor which