Assessment of nutritional status of selected elderly and impact of life style education on health

Good nutritional status of the aged will benefit the individuals as well as the society by decreasing health care costs.

The present study has been formulated to identify the nutritional status of the elderly and counsel them to improve their social life, life style pattern, dietary pattern and to reduce the morbidity rate and help them to lead a happy life.

Elderly people (Women 60+ years, n=125 and Men 60+ years, n= 75) were selected through random sampling. Elderly people who fell in obese category were selected as sub sample. An interview schedule was formulated to elicit information on socio-economic status, dietary habits and lifestyle pattern of the selected subjects. Anthropometric data namely, weight, height, arm, waist and hip circumference was assessed following standard procedures. Prevalence of nutritional deficiency diseases and diet related diseases was assessed.

Appropriate biochemical estimations and nutrition education was carried out for the sub-sample. Thirty percent of male and female elderly subjects were in obese category which was due to increased consumption of energy and fat rich foods. Nutritional problems like dental problems, anemia and osteoporosis were more prevalent among the selected elderly. Inadequate food intake due to depression and emotional problems were found in elderly who lived alone. These elderly subjects did not have proper knowledge about the healthy food consumption and hygienic life style practices.

The results of the present study point out that there is great need for proper counseling and nutrition education on the best control of complications of various diseases.