Abstract:
The nutritional needs of elderly people in society appears to be ignored or not
sufficiently prioritized. This study was conducted in Jasikan community. It
investigated the diet quality of the elderly. The research methods used for the study
were survey, and observation. The study employed the cross-sectional design. Ninety eight (98) elderly people were sampled via multistage sampling technique for the
study. Questionnaire with Crobanch’s alpha 0.775, and observation checklist were
used as research instruments to collect data. The quantitative data was analysed using
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software. The study
revealed that breakfast, snack, lunch and supper meals eaten by the elderly in Jasikan
were relatively large in quantity or portion size but poor in protein, vitamin and
mineral contents. The poor diet quality of the elderly was linked to food insecurity
and low income levels. It was evidenced that Hypertension, type 2 diabetes and
constipation were the most prevalent nutritional disorders among the elderly in
Jasikan community The study identified dietary and lifestyle modification strategies
for improving the diet quality of the elderly. In this regard, the study recommended
that caretakers and families of the elderly in Jasikan should always provide adequate
food to the elderly people. They should improve the feeding practices and nutrient
content of foods given to elderly by feeding them with the right amount of
carbohydrate, protein, and vitamin-giving foods three times or more in a day and also
give them adequate fresh fruits, vegetable and water.
Description:
A Thesis in the Department of Home Economics Education, Faculty of Science Education, submitted to the
School of Graduate Studies, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of
Master of Philosophy
(Home Economics Education) Degree
in the University of Education, Winneba
DECEMBER, 2019