NUTRITIONAL PROFILE OF INSTITUTIONALISED AND FREE LIVING ELDERLY
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Date
2001-08-10
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UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES GKVK BANGALORE
Abstract
The present investigation was undertaken during 1998-99. Thirty
existing institutionalised elderly (15 male, 15 female) of available three
old age homes from Belgaum, Dharwad and Hubli were selected. Equal
number of free living elderly were matched with respect to age and
gender. The information on old age home settings, background and life
style were collected by structured proforma. Information on
consumption of food and dietary habits was recorded using 24 hour
recall method. The RDA for Indian sedentary adult were used for
computing the adequacy of nutrients. Anthropometric measurements
were recorded. Body Mass Index (BMI) was computed. The nutritional
deficiency symptoms was assessed, metabolic disorders and diseases,
morbidity pattern, age related health problems were assessed using
questionnaire. Health related parameters viz., blood pressure, pulse and
heart rates were recorded. The bloodglucose, lipid profile and urine urea
levels were estimated by SPAN diagnostic kits. Haemoglobin by
cyanomethaemoglobin method. The results revealed that, maximum of
(56.6%) institutionalised elderly were without self income and were
staying in missionaries and government homes (80%). Smoking, tobacco
consumption and sdcoholism were prevalent among institutional group.
The mean per cent adequacy of all nutrients were significantly lower
among institutional elderly and intakes of protein, calcium, niacin met
above 90, energy, fat, thiamine met between 80-90, riboflavin was
between 70-80 and iron adequacy was below 70 per cent of requirement.
The anthropometric measurements were significantly higher among free
living elderly. Thirty nine and 30 per cent of institutional and free living
elderly belonged to CED and obese category respectively. Mottled enamel
was most prevalent symptom. Poor vision was most common age related
health problem. Thirty three per cent of institutionalised elderly reported
hypertension followed by digestive disorder and heart disease (23,3%),
diabetes and piles (20%), asthma and arthritis (13.3%). All the
instutitionalised elderly were moderately anaemic. The glucose and lipid
concentration were within the normal range, lipid profile being higher in
free living group. Elderly reported higher urine urea values.
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