Diet and Nutritional Status of the Elderly in Rural India

The main purpose of this study is to assess the current diet and nutritional status of the elderly population (> 60 years of age) in rural India. The data collected on food and nutrient intakes of communities during 1996-97 by the National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau in the eight states of India is utilized for the purpose of this study. Dietary intakes of 922 elderly individuals were assessed by 24-hour recall, and anthropometric measurements were taken on 3,646 individuals. The results suggested that the consumption of a majority of foods except cereals and millets, and roots and tubers among the elderly of both sexes, and other vegetables among females, was below the recommended dietary allowances for Indians. The intakes of energy, total fat, calcium and thiamin in both sexes and protein intakes among females were comparable to the recommended levels for adults. The prevalence of chronic energy deficiency as assessed by body mass index was higher in the males, while the prevalence of obesity was higher among females.