The nutritional status of an elderly population in a rural area in Embu District, Kenya.

The nutritional status of an elderly population was carried out on a total of 138 individuals (75 males and 63 females) in Kyeni South Location of Embu District as from March 1985. 41 (30%) were found to be living alone and of these 30 (22%) were aged 70 years and over. There occurred a progressive decline in most anthropometric measurements and hemoglobin levels with aging: Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures showed no significant change with aging. Those individuals below 80% of the standard weight for height had more illness frequency and most were in the lower socioeconomic status index. (authors)