ABSTRACT

The aging population is increasing rapidly. The older population are at risk of developing nutrition related problems. This study assessed the lifestyle pattern, anthropometrie measurement and lipid profile of older persons ~ 65years in Dekina LGA of Kogi State. The study was cross-sectional in design where 150 older persons (50.0% male and 50.0% female) were selected using multi-stage random sampling. Anthropometric measurements of weight, height, waist, hip, calf and mid upper arm circumference were obtained. A structured validated questionnaire was used to elicit information on alcohol intake, smoking habits and frequency of food consumption. Biochemical indices of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein and triglycerides were obtained for all of the subjects using standard procedures and compared with recommended cut-off. The result showed that (50%) had normal BMI, 5.3% were underweight, 20.0% were overweight, while 10.7%, 4.7%, 8.7% were obesed class 1, obesed class 11 and extremely obesed respectively. The study indicated that (56.7%) had less risk of abdominal adiposity with WC. Majority (81.3%) had above normal WHR. Majority (95.3%) of the subjects were overweight using MUAC. It was also shown that (75.3%) had above normal WtHR. Majority (76.0%) had above normal CC. Majority (76.7%) did not take alcohol while 23.3% took alcohol. Majority (96.7%) were not smokers while 3.3% were smokers. Majority (79.3%) engaged in physical activity while 20.7% did not. Grains like maize (52.7%), sorghum (22.0%) and millet (23.3%) were eaten daily by the subjects. Starchy roots/tubers were mostly eaten 1-3 times monthly. Pasta and noodles were rarely eaten. Fish was the highest animal protein eaten. Legumes were eaten 2-4 times weekly. Palm oil was the major cooking oil used. Most vegetables were eaten 2-4 times weekly. Fruits that were eaten 2-4 times weekly by the subjects were orange (30.0%), banana (34.7%), mango (31.3%) and cashew (3 9.3%). The lipid profile showed abnormal low HDL-cholesterol (25.3% in males, 40.0% in females) and abnormal triglycerides levels (4.0% in males, 5.3% in females). There was significant relationship between CC and TG (r = 0.290, P < 0.01), BMI and TC (r = 0.164, P <0.05) BMI-AS and TC (r = 0.167, P <0.05) BMI-AS and LDL (r = 0.195, P < 0.05). There was negative relationship (P<0.01) between lipid profile variables and smoking habit except HDL, there was a positive non-significant relationship (r0.069). Negative relationship existed between TG, HDL and rate of exercise, TG, LDL, TC and duration of exercise but this relationship was not significant. A negative relationship was noted between lipid profile and alcohol consumption, quantity of alcohol consumed but this relationship was not significant. Consumption of high risk foods was not significantly associated with lipid profile while consumption of low risk foods was negatively associated with lipid profile. The subjects may be protected from cardiovascular disease because prevalence of dyslipidaemia was low, alcohol consumption and rate of smoking was low, consumption of high risk foods was low and they were engaged in physical activity but with overweight and obesity prevalent among the subjects such protection might not be continual.