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The geriatric population is the fastest growing segment of our society and is the number one consumer of pharmaceuticals.This study is set to analyze the nutritional status and morbidity pattern of the hospitalized elderly with respect to certain socio-cultural factors. The respondents were in the age group of 60 and above. Purposive sampling technique was used with age and hospitalization as inclusive criteria for picking samples. Thus the sample number was restricted to 130 picked from geriatric wards of three hospitals in Puducherry. The tools used for data collection were both primary and secondary source. The study included the assessment of socio-economic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, clinical, dietary, biochemical and nutritional assessment,morbidity condition and medications used. The results showed that most of them were hypertensive followed by diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, digestive disorders, difficulty in swallowing and mild hearing and vision impairment. Highest percentages were malnourished. The finding of the study advocates for a multi-facility and holistic institutional care for the elderly.
About the author
Raji Sugumar (b.1962) is Associate Professor in the Department of Home Science, Bharathidasan Govt. College for Women (affiliated to Pondicherry University),Puducherry, India. Her professional career is spanned over two and half decades. Her academic work includes teaching, research,and extension.
