Cross sectional study on nutritional status among elderly people in the rural community of Pondicherry

Introduction: Food intake is diminished among old age people due to ill health, disability, co-morbid condition. Hence the quality of life of elderly affects nutrition & protein deficiency contributes to high percentage of DALY. Objectives: To know the calorie deficiency and nutritional status among elderly people Material and methods: This was a cross sectional and community based study done on 300 elderly people among 17079 in rural village of Puducherry during March and April 2015. Data were collected by two methods (questionnaire, basic anthropometry measurement) at their residence. Data was analysed for calorie deficiency and body mass index. Results: There were equal number of men and women. Sixty percent of the subjects were aged between 60-70 years and 7% were aged more than 80 years. Caloric deficit was more in males than females and 35% of them were either overweight or obese according to body mass index. Conclusion: There were no serious micro nutrient deficiency individuals but more than 35% are already obese/ overweight and 50% are suffering from age related problems. The rehabilitation service of old age group is strongly recommended in order to give quality of life.