Nutritional status of institutionalized elderly in Alexandria

ABSTRACT

An anthropometric and dietary assessment of the nutritional status of 138 elderly [60 - 97 years old] [average 73.4 years for males and 72.8 years for females] was conducted in 4 geriatric institutions in Alexandria. Subjects were free of clinically apparent terminal or wasting illness. Data revealed that overweight is a nutritional problem among elderly where 13.3% of men and 46.6% of women were overweight, based on body mass index >/ 29.6, 31.7 kg/m2, respectively. Weights, heights and BMI of the elderly declined with age. Nutrient intake data revealed that the mean intake of calories, vitamin A, niacin, vitamin C and calcium were below the 1989 recommended dietary allowances [RDA] for both men and women in addition to iron in women. Over 50% of the elderly subjects were taking less than two thirds of RDA for energy, vitamin A, niacin, vitamin C and calcium. It was concluded that overweight is a nutritional problem among institutionalized elderly and they are at risk for poor nutritional status, especially regarding calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, niacin and iron