Figure 5.

From left to right: old people who live alone or report feeling lonely consume fewer daily meals and total calories, tend to eat less protein, fruits and vegetables, and are at increased risk of being underweight and malnourished compared to those who have a partner or live in traditional family surroundings [173]. Hospitalized elderly, similarly, increase their intake of protein and total calories when a personal volunteer, rather than a professional nurse, socialize with them and assist with feeding at mealtimes [174].