A Study on the Status of Nutrition Management and Life Satisfaction among Elderly Living Alone in Korea.

This study analyzed the nutritional management status of elderly individuals living alone in the Korean community, utilizing data from “the 2020 Elderly Survey” conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. It also examined the relationship between nutritional management and life satisfaction. The findings revealed that common nutritional management issues among the elderly living alone included factors such as eating alone almost every time and rarely consuming fruits, vegetables, or dairy products (e.g., milk). Among the 3,137 elderly individuals surveyed, 59.7% were classified as having 'Good' nutritional status, 25.6% as 'Moderate Risk,' and 14.8% as 'High Risk' according to the Nutrition Screening Initiative (NSI). Significant differences were observed in health status, relationships with their children, economic status, socio-cultural leisure activities, relationships with friends and local communities, and overall life satisfaction based on the nutritional management status of elderly individuals living alone (P < 0.001). Those with good nutritional management demonstrated 1.277 times greater overall life satisfaction compared to those with poor nutrition (P < 0.001). Furthermore, individuals who self-reported as healthy exhibited 2.191 times higher life satisfaction than those who did not (P < 0.001). These findings indicate the need to enhance nutritional management, particularly addressing the issues of eating alone and insufficient intake of foods such as vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. Additionally, there is a need to expand institutional support to facilitate various activities that promote healthy eating habits and social interaction, enabling them to lead a more fulfilling life in their later years.