A Study to Assess the Nutritional Status Among the Elderly Population in the Selected Setting

Abstract

The population of the elderly is increasing in India. Healthy population of all age contributes to the healthy nation. Food is a vital component of survival. Old age people are at risk of many health problems. Prevalence of malnutrition increases the risk of health problems to the elders. The present study aimed at assessing the nutritional status of the elderly population living at Perumatty grama pachayat at Palakkad district Kerala India. 100 old age people living in the selected area were selected by using convenient sampling technique. The mini nutritional status assessment questionnaire was used to assess the nutritional status of the elderly population. The results revealed that around 52% of the elders were in the high-risk category of malnutrition. 24% were malnourished and only 24% were in the normal nutritional status. There was a significant association found between the height and the nutritional status of the elders. Since malnutrition is prevalent among the elders there is a need to develop an intervention protocol to improve the nutritional status of the elders.