Abstract:

Twentieth century has witnessed an unprecedented transition from high birth rates to low fertility and mortality. About half a century ago there were about 200 million people over 60 years and by 2025 it is projected that there will be 1.2 billion, of whom nearly 70 % will be in developing countries. It is imperative to have an access on information on potential health risk factors of nutritional vulnerability. It is estimated that in next two and half decade three quarters of the world’s elderly population would be living in developing countries. It is not unfounded that living longer comes at a price. It is increasingly important that with ageing the functional ability of the individual is sustained. Does nutritional status affect the functional ability in elderly is a pertinent question? Thus, proper evaluation of the nutritional status of elderly becomes an important issue.