Nutritional Status of Elderly Jat Sikh Females of Punjab

As per the dietary intake, the females of nuclear families have higher intake of protein, PUFA, vitamin A, B group of vitamins, vitamin C and folacin, but the intake of calories, carbohydrates, total fat particularly the saturated fat, magnesium and zinc is more in the diets of females of extended families. Fat is a critical nutrient in the diets of the elderly females, particularly the saturated fat. Diet high in saturated fat with insufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals is a major risk factor for chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases, obesity, bones-joint problems, diabetes etc. So the females are advised to cut down the intake of energy dense foods especially saturated fat and maintain the physical activity to attain desirable body weight. So there is an urgent need for the elderly females to focus on the preventive approaches to improve functional abilities for a healthier life.