Evaluation of Nutritional Status, Physical Performance, and Sarcopenia in Older Adults: Example of Antalya 60+ Tazelenme University

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the nutritional status, physical performance, and sarcopenia status of 60+ Tazelenme University students. Subject and Method: This cross-sectional study included 214 older adults who attended the 60+ Tazelenme University between January and May 2020. The subjects were questioned about their dietary habits, anthropometric measurements were taken, and a Mediterranean diet adherence scale and 24-hour dietary recall were used to evaluate their nutritional status. The physical activity scale for the elderly, the 5 times sit to stand test, and time up to go test were applied in assessing their physical performance. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 66.4±4.4 years, and most of them were women (71.0%). It was found that 38% of the daily energy intake came from carbohydrates and 44.5% from fats, and one out of every four older adults had a low score for adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Only 3.7% of the older individuals were sarcopenic. A weak positive correlation (r=0.143, p=0.037) was found between the physical activity scale for the elderly and Mediterranean diet adherence scale scores. Also, there was a moderately positive correlation between fat-free mass and handgrip strength (r=0.615, p=0.001) and a weak negative correlation between walking speed (r=-0.139, p=0.043) and time up to go test (r=-0.195, p=0.003). Conclusion: It is thought that this study will contribute to the literature in the development of adequate and balanced nutrition and physical activity education models for older people by providing information about the nutritional profiles and physical performance of those studying at Tazelenme University.