Status of Nutrition and Health of the Elderly in Kuwait - A Pilot Study

Abstract

With advances in medicine and medical care, the life span of the elderly population is becoming longer and represents a considerable percentage of society. Therefore, nutrition, lifestyle, and general health of the elderly gained more attention in recent years. However, there have not been published reports on the nutrition and health of the elderly in Kuwait. Thus, this cross-sectional study aims to assess the nutrition and health status of a sample of the elderly in Kuwait. A simple questionnaire was designed and distributed among 149 Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti elderly of both genders at various locations. Obtained data were analyzed using the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS- V.19). Findings of this study showed that the range for age of participants was 60-85 years, 96% lived with family and consumed homemade meals, about 70% ate three meals/day, and 70% were overweight (41%) and obese (29%). Diabetes and hypertension were most prevalent among participants, and only 40% followed a dietary program for their health problems. Therefore, the overall nutritional status of the elderly in Kuwait seems adequate. We conclude that interest in the nutrition of the elderly should take individuality into account. In addition, the elderly who are diseased and socially disadvantaged should be given more care, whether from a general health or nutritional perspective. Additionally, we recommend that further large-scale studies ought to be carried out that would reveal various aspects of care for the elderly and help in drawing appropriate strategies in this regard.