Nutritional Status and Disease Profile of Elderly (greater than60 Years) Living in the Home for Aged / Old Age Home

One of the major challenges for the health sciences in the present scenario is healthcare of elderly population. A study was conducted to assess the impact of nutrition status and disease profile of elderly using Mini nutritional assessment (MNA). However, very few studies have been done in developing countries to identify and manage their healthcare needs. Hence, the present study was taken up to assess the adequacy of meals, diet quality, nutritional and dietary status of elderly peoples from old age home. A total 120 subjects were selected, a questionnaire were developed to record health status, dietary habits. Nutritional status of respondents was assessed by 24 hour dietary survey and anthropometric measurements, BMI of each subjects is calculated. It was found from MNA that out of 120 elderly people, 30 % were well nourished, 55 % were at risk of malnutrition, and 15 % were found to be malnourished. The study also revealed that the elderly living at old age homes, nutrients intake of Energy, Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates, Calcium, and Iron were statistically significantly lower at 5 % level. Comparison of nutritional status of MNA and BMI shows that MNA is the most sensitive tool to determine the nutritional status of elderly more accurately. The study results that high risk at malnutrition in peoples are more and confirm the need of increased care and nutritional support among the elderly peoples. Consuming food rich in nutrients and other bioactive component such as phytochemicals may help to protect peoples against major age-related disorders. The provision of energy dense meals may be the first approach to increase the energy intake with the fortification of food to increase the micro-nutrient intake.