Recently, the latest data of the National Commission on the elderly show that the rate of empty nester families among the elderly in China has reached half, and the rate in large and medium-sized cities is as high as 70%. Previously, the China family development report (2015) released by the national health and Family Planning Commission showed that the elderly living alone accounted for nearly 10% of the total number of elderly people. Living alone for a long time will bring various problems and inconvenience to the elderly.
Researchers from the school of sports and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of technology, Australia, found that people living alone are more likely to lack “core foods” (if vegetables, fish and other meat contain nutrients required by the body), develop unhealthy eating habits, and lead to dietary imbalance. The researchers analyzed 41 previous related studies and examined the association between living alone, food and nutrition intake. The results showed that the diversity of food intake was poor, and the consumption of some “core foods” was less.
Researchers analyzed that living alone may be a major obstacle to a healthy diet. For example, eating alone will make the meals of those living alone more single and lack key nutrients; Widows or divorcees often rely on their partners before, and once they lack their other half, they may lack enough cooking skills. The study also found that men living alone had worse eating conditions than women.
Researchers believe that living alone is a significant determinant of malnutrition in the elderly. This should be paid attention to. The government or community can help people living alone by improving their cooking skills and providing financial assistance.
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