A comparative study on food intake based on food pyramid and health condition among elderly in Sabah and Sarawak / Adlelyn Savithry Saong & Saiyyidah Nafisah Joblee

Our research study is about the food intake among elderly and the impact on their health. We are doing a comparison study between elderly in Social Welfare Department of Sabah (St.Pritchart, Kinarut) and Social Welfare Department of Sarawak (Rumah Seri Kenangan) to see the difference in food intake between the two states. The achievement and maintenance of good nutritional status among elderly are critical to health, functioning and quality of their life. According to Healthy People 2010, these outcomes are a high public health priority. One or several individual characteristics (e.g. race, education, poverty) and health related factors (e.g. medical conditions, depression) were associated with nutrient adequacy and low nutrient intakes. The consequences of under nutrition among elderly include functional decline or frailty, decrease quality of life, increased health care utilization and costs, higher rates of adverse complications from other health conditions and increased mortality. Habits founded in past life and negative life events affected the food and meals in present life (Ellinor Edfors & Albert Westergren, 2012). According to the Department of Statistic Malaysia (DoS), the populations of elderly which range from 65 years old and above are increased by 0.2% in the year 2016. Malaysia also expected to be an ageing nation by 2030 because of a conquered population by the older people (The Star Online, 2015). Some elderly at such age are still healthy, active and productive. In this research study that we conducted, we want to know if their daily consumption is affecting their health. In this study, we are using the cross-sectional study to collect data where the data is collected just once. We will be using mixed method; qualitative and quantitative.