Investigation of Malnutrition and Sarcopenia in Individuals Aged 65 and Over Receiving Both Nursing Home or Home Care Services

Aim: This study examines the physical activity levels, malnutrition, and sarcopenia status of elderly individuals receiving nursing home or home care services. Method: The research was conducted in Manisa between November 2024 and February 2025 with a total of 180 elderly individuals aged 65 and over, 93 of whom were women and 87 men, all of whom were either receiving home care services or residing in a nursing home. Sociodemographic information was obtained through a structured questionnaire. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), while muscle strength was determined through a handgrip strength test. Additionally, a 24-hour dietary recall was collected during face-to-face interviews. Results: Regarding income status, 29.9% of elderly individuals receiving home care had no income, whereas this rate was only 1.2% among those living in a nursing home. Regarding water consumption, it was observed that in both groups, the elderly consumed less than 2 liters per day, indicating inadequate fluid intake. As for physical activity levels, 39.2% of elderly individuals receiving home care and 44.6% of those in nursing homes reported walking for 30 minutes or more per day. When it comes to malnutrition, 38.1% of home care participants and 22.9% of nursing home residents were found to be at risk of malnutrition. Additionally, 6.2% of home care participants and 3.6% of those in the nursing home were classified as malnourished. Regarding sarcopenia, based on handgrip strength tests, 11.3% of home care participants and 22.9% of nursing home residents had low handgrip strength, indicating a potential risk of sarcopenia. Conclusion: Elderly individuals who received care at home exhibited a higher rate of malnutrition compared to those residing in nursing homes. In contrast, the rate of low handgrip strength—indicating reduced muscle strength—was higher among nursing home residents than among elderly individuals receiving home care. As a result, both in home care and nursing home settings, it was determined in this study through sociodemographic surveys conducted via face-to-face interviews that the elderly individuals' water intake was below 2 liters, and their physical activity levels were insufficient. Therefore, it is essential to raise awareness among elderly individuals in both care settings about proper nutrition and regular physical activity.