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A study on the nutritional profile of elderly was carried out among 150
elderly persons of 60 to 75 years of age residing in institutions and in houses to
assess the socio-economic profile and personal informations, dietary pattern,
nutritional status and the factors affecting their nutritional status.
The results of the study indicated that majority of elderly were from
joint families and they were literate but they had no income of their own and were
dependent on others for money. The past occupational status showed that most of
the elderly women were unemployed while elderly male were employed in
different sectors. The housing conditions and hygiene of elderly in both groups
were found to be good and about 76 per cen~ of non-institutionalized elderly had a
separate room for them whereas in institutions one room was shared by more than
two members.
Eventhough majority of the elderly did not attend the social functions,
they used to visit various religious places. More than 50 per cent of the elderly in
both groups had more than one health problems. The unhealthy habits were found
to be more among non-institutionalized elderly and majority of the elderly in both
groups did some sort of physical exercises.
Majority of the elderly in both groups were non-vegetarians and
followed a dietary pattern of three meals per day. Among the families of non-
institutionalized group, major expenditure of the family income was incurred for
food. The institutionalized elderly had a specific time for food intake and they had

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their meals along with others whereas in non-institutionalized group majority of
the elderly did not have a specific time schedule for food intake and they had their
meals alone. Consumption of raw vegetables by the elderly was very less.
The weight and mid upper arm circumference of elderly were found to
be higher than the suggested levels, but the increase was significant only in non-
institutionalized group in the case of weight. The mean height obtained was lower
than the standards but found to be significantly higher only in elderly women of
non-institutionalized group. Different degrees of chronic energy deficiencies and
upper body obesity was found in both institutionalized and non-institutionalized
groups. Difference in most of the indices used to assess nutritional status was
found to be statistically insignificant between the institutionalized and non-
institutionalized groups.
Visual disturbance, toothlessness, difficulty in chewing, hearing
problems and anaemia were the important clinical symptoms observed among
elderly.
There is no significant difference in grip strength and lung capacity
between the institutionalized and non-institutionalized elderly and majority of the
elderly in both groups had an increased heart rate and various degrees of
hypertension.
None of the socio-economic factors as well as the place of residence had
any influence on the nutritional status of the elderly. Hence proper care, feeling of
security and conducive psycho-social environment should be given to our elderly
population which will indirectly influence their nutritional status.