Nutrition and health of the rural elderly in five selected barangays in the Philippines

Abstract

A group of 100 individuals (55 women; 45 men) aged 60 years and over participated in the study. They were residents of five selected rural communities or barangays in Laguma and Batangas (southern Tagalog region). Data obtained included some background information, dietary intake based on a 24-hour recall, physical assessment with health history and limitation of activity status, and selected anthropometric measurements. Mean energy intakes correlated directly and significantly with protein, carbohydrate, fat, calcium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, and preformed niacin but not with vitamin A value and ascorbic acid. Mean intakes by age groups met (a) less than 65 percent of the local recommended dietary allowances for Filipinos for vitamin A value and ascorbic acid and (b) 65 percent or more of the allowances for protein, iron, thiamin, and preformed niacin. About half the rural elderly had health ratings of "good," and a third rated "fair," Nearly 40 percent had average body weights, and more than 50 percent were underweight by local standards. The low body weights for height reflect the small amounts of subcutaneous fat (based on skinfold thickness) and muscle tissue (based on arm and calf circumferences). Body weights correlated significantly and positively with triceps and subscapular skinfolds and with arm and calf circumferences. Body weights did not correlate significantly with food energy intakes. © 1982 Pergamon Press Ltd.

Source or Periodical Title

Nutrition Research

ISSN

2715317

Page

545-560

Document Type

Article

Subject

nutritional health, Philippines, rural elderly

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