Remaining Socially Connected at 100 and Beyond Reduces Impact of Loneliness on Nutritional Status.

Abstract

Background: Understanding factors influencing centenarians' nutritional status can offer insight into effective nutrition interventions to improve quality of life among this population.

Objective: This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the role of social support and loneliness on nutritional status among Oklahoma centenarians (N = 151).

Methods: Nutritional status was assessed with the Short Form Mini Nutrition Assessment (MNA-SF). Perceived social support was assessed with the 24-item Social Provisions Scale. Loneliness was examined with the 10-item UCLA loneliness scale.

Results: Ordinal logistic regression revealed that those who lacked social support were at increased risk of poor nutritional status (OR = 2.28, p < .05). Further, the model revealed that centenarians who reported lack of social support and loneliness had almost 2.8 times higher likelihood of being at risk of poor nutritional status compared to their socially connected counterparts (p < .01).

Conclusions and implications: Findings have implications for geriatric dietitians, social workers, and clinical counselors seeking to implement services and programs aimed at helping long-lived adults feel socially connected and maintain proper nutritional well-being.