A Comparative Study of Food Consumption Pattern of Elderly Individual Living in Family Setting and in Old Age Home

Aaradhya; Mahuwaa Chaudhary

doi:10.63363/aijfr.2026.v07i04.6891

A Comparative Study of Food Consumption Pattern of Elderly Individual Living in Family Setting and in Old Age Home

Author(s)	Ms. Aaradhya, Dr. Mahuwaa Chaudhary
Country	India
Abstract	Ageing is accompanied by physiological, psychological, and social changes that influence dietary intake and nutritional status, while living arrangements may further affect food consumption patterns among older adults. The present study was conducted to compare the food consumption patterns, dietary diversity, and nutrient intake of elderly individuals living in family settings and old-age homes in Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh. A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out among 60 elderly individuals aged 60 years and above, including 30 participants residing with their families and 30 living in old-age homes. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, meal patterns, food frequency, and dietary intake were collected through a structured questionnaire and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Nutrient intake was estimated and compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that the majority of participants belonged to the 70–80 years age group. Elderly individuals living in family settings exhibited greater dietary diversity and higher consumption of pulses, milk, fruits, vegetables, and other food groups than those residing in old-age homes. The mean daily energy intake was 2045 kcal among family-dwelling elderly individuals and 1900 kcal among old-age home residents, while the mean protein intake was 74.0 g and 68.75 g, respectively, both exceeding the recommended dietary allowance. Overall, the study indicates that living arrangements influence dietary practices among older adults, with family settings providing a more favorable environment for maintaining a diverse diet. Regular nutritional assessment, dietary counseling, and appropriate nutrition intervention programmes, particularly in old-age homes, are recommended to improve nutritional status, promote healthy ageing, and enhance the quality of life of the elderly.
Keywords	Elderly, Food Consumption Pattern, Food Frequency Questionnaire, Nutritional Status, Old-Age Homes
Field	Sociology > Home Science
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On	2026-07-17
DOI	https://doi.org/10.63363/aijfr.2026.v07i04.6891

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A Comparative Study of Food Consumption Pattern of Elderly Individual Living in Family Setting and in Old Age Home

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