Nutritional status and frailty in non-institutionalized older adults in a high andean region of Peru

Ruiz Sanchez E.M. · Nutricion Clinica y Dietetica Hospitalaria (2025) · DOI: 10.12873/454ruiz

Resumen

Introduction: Poor nutritional status and frailty are common conditions among older adults, especially in rural areas, where they significantly affect functionality and quality of life. Objective: To establish the relationship between nutritional status and frailty in non-institutionalized older adults from the community of Chicche, Junín. Materials and Methods: Quantitative, cross-sectional, and correlational study. A total of 41 older adults were evaluated using anthropometric indicators (BMI, muscle circumferences, and triceps skinfold) and the Fried frailty test. Analysis included descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. Results: According to BMI, 51.2% presented thinness. Caloric and protein malnutrition reached prevalences of 93.8% and 77.5%, respectively. Frailty was identified in 36.9% and pre-frailty in 60%. No statistically significant association was found between anthropometric indicators and frailty. Conclusions: Although no direct association between frailty and nutritional status was found, the high prevalence of malnutrition highlights the need to strengthen nutritional care strategies for older adults in vulnerable rural settings.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada del Norte