TY  - BOOK
AU  - Rosemol Jose 
AU  - Indira V (Guide)
TI  - Nutritional Profile of the Elderly
U1  - 640 
PY  - 2001///
CY  - Vellanikkara 
PB  - Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture 
N2  - 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. 


UR  - http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810104796
ER  -