Gender-Specific Comparative Assessment Of Nutritional Status In Relation To Physical Activity Level Among Elderly People Of Old Age Homes- A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: Ageing is associated with decline in physical activity level (PAL) which deteriorates health status, increases physical distress. Evidence suggests that improvement in lifestyle and diet can ameliorate quality of life.

Objectives: The study aims to compare PAL and assess nutritional status among elderly people.

Method: 60 healthy elderly people (30 male, 30 female) were randomly selected from 8 old-age homes. PAL and nutritional status were measured using ‘Global Physical Activity Questionnaire’(GPAQ) and ‘Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form’(MNA-SF) respectively. Body mass index (BMI), Waist-hip ratio (WHR), body fat percentage (BFP) were calculated with standard method and evaluated for statistical analysis in SPSS.

Results: MNA-SF score revealed prevalence of ‘well-nourished’ among 66.66% males and 30% females along with high prevalence of ‘malnourished’ among females (43.33%). 13.33% females have moderate PAL but all males have low PAL. Males have significantly higher BMI, nutritional score; low BFP and PAL than females. The participants belong to normal BMI category. BFP differs significantly till 80 years of age among males while females showed consistency throughout the life. Males also showed significant negative correlation of PAL with BMI and BFP. Body weight and hip circumference have significant positive relationship with nutritional status (p<0.05).

Conclusion: MNA-SF is a preliminary assessment tool of health status of Bengali elderly people. BMI, BFP are reduced with increasing PAL whereas, fat accumulation continues in females despite of moderate activity due to their specific body composition. It may surge the risk of malnutrition. The actual type of PA and its effects can be investigated in future.