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Nutrition and healthy functioning in the developing world
1The Epidemiology Research Unit, Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica. NZohoori@uwimona.edu.jm
The Journal of Nutrition
|September 5, 2001
Summary
Research on elderly nutrition in developing nations is scarce. Understanding nutrition transition and extrinsic factors is crucial to prevent future disability and dependency in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Global Health
Background:
- Limited data exists on nutrition and healthy functioning in elderly populations in developing countries.
- The concept of nutrition transition is relevant but understudied in this demographic.
- Developing nations face challenges of both undernutrition and overnutrition among the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of studying nutrition and its impact on the functional status of the elderly in developing countries.
- To underscore the need for research and policy development to address nutritional challenges in aging populations globally.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing knowledge on nutrition transition and elderly health.
- Application of findings from developed countries to the context of developing nations.
- Consideration of extrinsic factors influencing nutritional status and function.
Main Results:
- Both undernutrition and overnutrition pose risks to elderly functional status in developing countries.
- Extrinsic factors (socioeconomic, political, cultural) significantly influence nutritional status and function.
- A gap exists in research and policy concerning the elderly's nutritional needs in developing regions.
Conclusions:
- Urgent escalation of research and policy development is needed to address the nutrition and demographic transitions in developing countries.
- Failure to act may lead to increased disability and dependency among the elderly in the near future.
- A nuanced understanding of nutrition transition, considering both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, is vital for the health of aging populations in developing nations.