ABSTRACT

 A descriptive cross-sectional research design was carried out to determine the dietary pattern, anthropometric indices and physical activity of the elderly. The sample size of 224 respondents was obtained using selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure and Kish Leslie formula. A well- structured questionnaire was used to obtain the socioeconomic and demographic data shows that (70.1%) aged between 65-74.Majority ofthe respondents were traders (32.1%) and unemployed (19.2%). 24 hour dietary recall shows that (70.1%) consumed 4 and 5 food groups while few number of persons consumed (20.1% and 9.8%) of > 6 food groups and < 3 food groups respectively, dietary habits result shows that (50%) ofthe respondents eats 3 times a day while (43.3% and 6.7%) eat 2 and > 4 times a day respectively and (58.9%) sometimes consume fruits and vegetables, (33.5%) always while (7.6%) rarely consume fruits and vegetables, mini nutritional assessment data shows that (55.8%) had no decrease in their food intake while a few number (32.6% and 11.6%) had moderate and severe decrease in food intake in the past 3 months respectively, anthropometric data(Body mass index reveals that (58.0%) had 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 which indicates normal weight, (32.1%) had 25-29.9 kg/m2 indicating pre-obesity, (7.1%) had 30-34.9 kg/m2 indicating stage 1 obesity while Waisthip ratio reveals that (32.1%) of women had a higher risk of obesity assessing their body fat whilst men had (0.4%) higher risk of obesity), International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ) shows that only 35.8% that met the WHO recommended physical activity level for vigorous activity. The correlation coefficients (r) for dietary pattern, physical activity and anthropometric status shows that alcohol consumption had a positive weak relationship related (p=.l) to body mass index (r = .169). Results also shows days engaged in walking for at least 10 minutes had a negative weak relationship between (p= .1) to waist-to-hip ratio (r = -.148). Longitudinal study should be carried out to assess the efficacy and sustainability ofinterventions over time.