Vol. 10, Special Issue 12 (2021)

Author(s):
Dr. Vinutha U Muktamath, Dr. Pushpa B Khadi and Priya Ramesh Hegde

Abstract:
The rapidity of ageing population around the world is increasing radically. A longer life brings with it opportunities, not only for older people and their families, but also for societies as a whole. Older people experience poor nutritional status, decline in physical and psychological problems. In this regard, an attempt was made with an objective to improve the nutritional status of the rural elderly of Dharwad district. The participants of the study were elderly (60 +years) under the project “Establishment of Day Care Centre for Elderly and Young children” conducted during the year 2018-20. Education intervention on nutrition and common health issues was provided to the 330 elderly in eight batches from ten villages. Baseline analysis showed that more than twenty per cent of the elderly were having anaemia and physical health problems. More than fifty per cent of the elderly were malnourished and having cognitive impairment. Educational intervention was found to be effective in enhancing the nutritional status and health status of the elderly.