Assessment of the nutritional status of elderly and senile individuals with diet-related diseases

Aim of the study . The aim of the study was to evaluate the status parameters of elderly and senile people in Central Kazakhstan with certain alimentary-dependent diseases (obesity, diseases of the circulatory system, diseases of the endocrine system). Materials and methods. During the cross-sectional study of 300 people aged 60 to 90 years: elderly (60-74 years) and senile (75-90 years), nutritional status assessment data were analyzed: physical examination and anthropometry – body mass index, skin thickness fat folds; biochemical parameters (glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, urea and triglycerides in the blood). Results and discussion . In group I (61-74 years old) the median weight was 79 kg, and in group II (75 years and above) – 74 kg. The median body mass index in group I was 30.04, in group II – 28.6. The median glucose level in group I was 6.5 mmol/l, in group II – 6.1 mmol/l. The median cholesterol in group I was 5.5 mmol/l, in group II – 5.4 mmol/l. The median urea in group I was 5.6, in group II – 6.5. Body mass index was high and indicate overweight and obesity. Glucose and cholesterol levels in both groups were increased, indicating the effect of foods with the high glycemic index. The urea level in group II was higher than in group I, which may indicate the greater consumption of salty foods. Conclusions . The average body mass index in both groups of elderly and senile people didn`t correspond to the norm, was significantly higher and indicate the presence of excess body weight. The average data for glucose and cholesterol levels in both groups have large increases, indicating an indirect effect of excessive consumption of high-fat foods with a high glycemic index. The level of urea in group II (75 years and above) individuals is significantly higher than in group I (61-74 years), which indicates a greater consumption of foods with salt. The study results confirm imbalance and malnutrition, exacerbating existing nutrition-dependent diseases.