Nutritional status of older adults in India: An exploration of the role of oral health and food insecurity factors

Background: In this study, we attempted to generate insights into the determinants of nutritional status among older adults in India by exploring the role of factors including oral health, food insecurity, socioeconomic, demographic and health-related variables. The study also examined the moderating role of tooth loss with the association between chewing ability and nutritional status. Methods: The data was obtained from Longitudinal Ageing Study India (LASI) – Wave 1 (2017-18). The sample consisted of 27,411 older adults (Male = 13, 232; Female = 14, 179) aged 60 years and above. In addition to descriptive and bivariate analysis, we employed multinominal logistic regression analysis. Result: There was a significant association between the ability to chew solid food and tooth loss in the nutritional status of older adults. It was further revealed that tooth loss acted as a moderator (aRRR = 1.50, 95 % CI: 1.08–2.08) between the chewing ability and the risk of being underweight. The weight loss due to food insecurity increased the relative risk ratio of being underweight (aRRR = 1.58, 95 % CI: 1.25–2.00). Further evidence showed that self-rated health (SRH), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), morbidity status and socioeconomic factors had a significant role in determining the nutritional status among older adults. Conclusion: Chewing ability, tooth loss, and food insecurity determine nutritional status among older adults. It is suggested to care for oral and general physical health as these factors increase the risk of nutritional deficits. Also, policy measures should be strengthened to address the specific health and food security needs of older adults from vulnerable socioeconomic circumstances