A Study on the Dietary Intake and Quality of Life (EQ-5D) of Elderly Single-Person and Multi-Person Households

Seung Jae Lee^*

Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Yongin University

Received Review Accepted

Abstract

This study investigated dietary behaviors, nutrient intake, and quality of life among elderly individuals living alone compared to those in multi-person households. Data were obtained from 5,311 individuals aged 65 years and older who participated in the 2015-2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Nutritional intake was assessed by analyzing the proportion of individuals with insufficient intake relative to the Korean Dietary Reference Intakes (KDRIs) and the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR). Quality of life was measured using the EQ- 5D instrument. The results showed that single-person households were more likely to be female, older, and have lower income and education levels compared to multi-person households. Additionally, single-person households were more likely to skip breakfast, eat at places other than home, eat alone, and dine out less frequently. Nutritional intake was lower among elderly individuals living alone. Furthermore, after adjusting for relevant variables, single-person households were significantly more likely to report poor quality of life (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.07-1.28)—defined as being in the lowest 20% of EQ-5D scores—compared to those in multi-person households. The findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional support and policy interventions to improve dietary intake and quality of life among elderly single-person households.

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