Effect of socio-economic status on nutritional status of elderly people

The study was undertaken to understand the nutritional status and to gather some information about the perceived health needs of 300 elderly persons (both male and female) age varying between 60 years and above belonging to urban and rural communities of Patna district (Bihar). An attempt was also made to describe the nutrient intake and major health problems faced by these elderly. Data on socio-economic background, living condition, health-related problems of respondents was collected with the help of household census surveys, interview technique aided by structured question schedule. Food and nutrient intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall method. The results revealed that 20 to 25 per cent of respondents suffered from substantial inadequacy of vital nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamin A respectively. The mean intake value of only a few items shows a correlation with the income group of elderly women. The mean intake value of items like cereals and roots and tubers in urban areas and pulses, oils and fats in the rural area has the highest value at the low-income group level and decreased with the increase in income of the respondents. Hypertension/B.P., Arthritis, heart trouble, and gastrointestinal problems were more prevalent than other diseases among elderly females. It is significant to note that the prevalence of diseases is higher among female elderly belonging to the high-income group. It may be because elderly families of females with better income are less inclined to spend on health care of aged women of their families.