Dietary Challenges as Possible Cause of Old Age Diseases and Death among the Elderly in Ukehe, Enugu State, Nigeria

Adobeze Linda Nnenna

Abstract

Background: A healthful or balanced diet is a varied diet in which there is no excess or deficiency of any of the nutrients. It includes the six nutrients in adequate amounts to preserve and promote health. A diet that lacks any needed food element may cause certain deficiency diseases. The dietary needs of people vary according to age, body weight, health condition, amount or level of activity among others. The study was carried out to investigate the dietary challenges as possible causes of disease and death among the aged in Ukehe, Enugu State, Nigeria.

Method: The study adopted a survey research design. Questionnaires was used to collect relevant data from a random sample of 200 aged people in the area. Mean values were used for data analysis.

Result: The study revealed that the diet of the aged people in the area is very poor, comprising mostly carbohydrate rich foods. Six specific causes of poor diet among the aged were identified. Food based dietary guidelines were revealed.

Conclusion: The physiological changes that occur with ageing may affect the requirements for several nutrients. The high prevalence of disease and drug administration in older people could also affect their nutritional requirements and nutritional status. All these factors can lead to complications that if not properly handled could lead to decline in their body structure and function, resulting in more new diseases and possibly death among the aged. It was recommended that awareness programme should be organised to educate the aged group and their caregivers on the effect of ageing on the nutrition of the elderly and improvement strategies.