The objective of this study was to investigate the health status and nutritional intake of the old population living in Soonchang, Jeollabuk-do, Korea. 69 subjects aged 65 years and older were recruited in July 2016. The WHR, was significantly higher in elderly male group than elderly female group (p<0.05), but both groups had abdominal obesity (0.85 and over). T-score mean of elderly male and female groups were below －2.5 mg/cm3 that they were osteoporotic. In the elderly male group, the higher concentrations of creatinine, homocysteine and uric acid were found to be significantly unfavorable factors (p<0.001, respectively). The blood vitamin D3 levels of elderly male group was significantly higher than that of elderly female group (p<0.05). The physical activity and self-rated health were significantly higher in elderly male group than in elderly female group (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). The nutrient intakes of male group were found to be significantly favorable factors than in female group. The score of mini nutrition assessment was significantly lower in elderly female group than in the elderly male group. These results could be useful to plan effective strategies to increase the health-life expectancy and the prevention of disease of Korean elderly people living in rural areas.

The purpose of this study was to compare the degree nutrient intake, health status and other characteristics of females aged 65 years and over in a longevity area according to family arrangement. For analysis, 585 female elderly were recruited from the Kugoksoondam area (Kurye, Goksung, Soonchang and Damyang counties), known as the longevity-belt region in Jeonla province, Korea. The subjects were categorized into three groups according to family arrangement (living alone, living with spouse only and living with family). Demographic characteristics were collected, as well as information on physical measurements, blood tests for biochemical indicators, health status and health-related life style, dietary behavior, favorite food groups, consumption frequency of food groups, nutrient intake and mini nutrition assessment. In the group living with their spouse only, the highest education, physical activity, diverse food intake, frequency of eating meats and fish, energy and nutrients intake, and score on the mininutrient status assessment (MNA) were found to be significantly favorable factors. Taken together, these results demonstrated that the group living with their spouse only had relatively superior nutrient intake and the quality of diet. In contrast, the group living alone showed the lowest self-rated economic status, diversity of food intake, and physical activity, with the highest frequency of drinking, smoking and regular exercise for almost everyday compared with the other groups. On the other hand, those living with family demonstrated the lowest intake of supplements or functional foods, and levels of hemoglobin hematocrit MCH, but the highest HBA1c and blood sugar. Therefore, the group living with family was assumed to be at risk of anemia and diabetes. These results could be useful to plan effective strategies to increase the health-life expectancy of Korean elderly people living in rural areas, according to family arrangement.