Elderly population is one of the most vulnerable groups that are on the risk of malnutrition due to various physiological and environmental reasons. Elderly population have high prevalence of malnutrition Geriatric populations living in old age homes have high risk of malnutrition a respect to those living with families. A comparative study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional status of geriatric population living with families and living in old age homes in the city of Lahore Pakistan.
The study was cross sectional design. Participants above 60 years were included in study. Two hundred elderly persons, hundred living in old age homes and hundred (100) with families in this 65% male and 35% females were assessed through, 24 hour dietary recall and Macro nutrients intake calculated, clinical assessment and anthropometric assessments BMI, mid arm circumferences and calf circumferences Furthermore mini nutritional assessment MNA® tool was also is used to assess the nutritional status of participants. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 19. Descriptive statistic was used to describe the background characteristic profile of the respondents. Chi square was used to find the association between home living and old age homes living.
The MNA results revels the prevalence of malnutrition in living with families were 6.5% and 19.5 % were at risk of malnutrition while in old age homes 14.5% were malnourished and 22.5% were at risk of malnutrition. Intake of carbohydrates, protein, energy, was significantly higher in geriatric population living with families when compared to geriatric population living in old age homes (p<0.05). The energy derived from proteins was 8% from living in old age homes while 12% elderly living with families. The results of current study showed high risk of malnutrition (p<0.05) in geriatric population living in old age homes, and verify the need for health support and nutritional interventions for geriatric population in old age homes. The energy intake and some nutrients especially protein in geriatric population living in old age homes was lower than dietary reference intake.
Further studies should be conducted in neighboring areas of Lahore and other cities of Pakistan as well as to access nutritional status in elderly population especially living in old age homes.
Provision of healthy well balanced diet, and considering needs of nutrients and specific micronutrients including iron vitamin A long term provision, and their like and dislike in planning of menus in this manner it will encourage food consumption