Nutritional status of the elderly

Elderly become vulnerable to malnutrition owing to inappropriate dietary intake, poor economic status and social deprivation. Elderly are known to be easily subjected to inanition and avitaminosis resulting in multiple nutritional deficiencies. Urban slum dwellers, rural poor and those living alone appear to be at a higher risk of poor dietary intake. Through food consumption patterns of rural and urban elderly show a distinct difference, these are greatly influenced by regional dietary patterns. The diets of institutionalised and free living elderly reveal adequate nutrient intakes except iron and vitamin A. The nutrients least adequately supplied in the diets of Indian elderly are calcium, iron, vitamin A, riboflavin and niacin along with energy deficits. Changes in body composition which mark the onset of the ageing process, include decline in lean body mass and increase in adipose tissue. A high prevalence of iron efficiency anaemia has also been reported among Indian elderly.