A Qualitative Inquiry Into Sarcopenia Among Formerly Homeless Older Thais.
Phatcharaphon Whaikid, Noppawan Piaseu, Tiraporn Junda
PMID 41466415WHAT IT FOUND
Formerly homeless older adults in Thai supportive housing and staff described sarcopenia risk as related to poor knowledge, inadequate protein, tooth loss, little exercise, and no on-site nurses, plus too much rice and rest.
These themes identify care gaps, not tested fixes.
Key findings
01The study identified two themes: Insufficiency (poor knowledge, constrained diet, dental problems, low activity, weak caregiving resources) and Price of Plenty (excess carbohydrates, poor food preparation, comorbidities, excessive rest).
02The facility had no on-site nurses or physiotherapists, and exercise guidance depended on general care activities and digital videos.
03Food provision was unstable: residents skipped meals, chose instant noodles or snacks, and rationed portions when supplies fell short.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study used purposive sampling with 21 informants from one supportive housing facility, so the views may not apply to other settings or homeless older adults. The study focused on perceptions and experiences rather than measured muscle mass, strength, or physical function. Participants included residents and non-nursing staff, and the facility had no on-site nurses or physiotherapists, so professional nursing or physiotherapy perspectives may be missing. It was a preliminary stage of a mixed-methods project, so it maps context and themes rather than testing a sarcopenia management system.
Declared interests
Funding came from the Graduate Education Section, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, and the authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read these themes as proof that protein, exercise, or adding nurses prevents sarcopenia. This qualitative study reports residents' and staff's experiences and perceptions, not measured muscle outcomes or tested interventions.