Effects of the provision of senior-friendly food packages on nutritional status and dietary habits among community-dwelling older adults living alone in South Korea

Top Things to Know

Medically and functionally appropriate foods can act as preventive and therapeutic care.

MTM strategies for older adults may need to be ongoing and integrated into long‑term care systems to sustain health impacts.

FIM models likely need to address both nutritional and social determinants of health, particularly for older adults living alone.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

This quasi‑experimental study evaluated whether providing senior‑friendly food packages improved dietary intake and nutritional status among community‑dwelling older adults living alone in South Korea. Over a 12‑week period, participants receiving the intervention showed significant improvements in overall nutritional status, as measured by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), compared with those continuing standard government meal services. The intervention group experienced meaningful increases in energy, protein, fat, fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamin B₂ intake, alongside improved Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) scores for several key nutrients. Oral health–related quality of life also improved during the intervention period, suggesting benefits related to easier chewing and swallowing. However, several gains attenuated after the intervention ended, and vitamin D intake remained inadequate in both groups. Overall, the findings indicate that senior‑friendly food packages can substantially improve short‑term diet quality and nutritional adequacy, but sustained delivery and system‑level support are needed to maintain benefits.