ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF GERIATRICS RESIDING IN OLD HOMES, LAHORE

Abstract

Background: Older adults are one of the vulnerable groups in our society and malnutrition in older people is not only common, but frequently overlooked. It results in multiple medical complications and high risk of mortality and morbidity.

Objective: To assess the nutritional status of geriatrics residing in old homes, Lahore.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in different old homes of Lahore for a period of 4 months among 290 individuals of both genders above 60 years of age selected through non-probability sampling technique. Data were tabulated and analyzed with the help of SPSS version 21.0.

Results: Results shows that 52.1% females were residing in old homes as compare to males who were 47.9%. 4.8% were underweight, 42.4% were having normal weight, 13% were overweight, 14.5% were obese, 5.9% were under obesity grade 1 and 1.4% were under obesity grade 2. Mean age of geriatrics was 72.01±8.58 and mean weight was 67.61±1.94. Frequency of rough hairs, dry skin, spoon shaped nails, pale eyes, tooth loss, dry lips, knee pain, depression and dementia were in high proportion as compare to other signs. Most of geriatrics showed ambulatory functional capacity.

Conclusion: Malnourishment in geriatrics was more prevalent among females as compared to males with many changes in clinical features and dietary patterns. Poor appetite and less intake of food and nutrients lead towards malnourishment. Proper dietary intake from all food groups is necessary to minimize the body losses with growing age.