Existing Nutritional Behavior and its Effects on Healthy Lifestyle among the Elderly Buddhists in Kathmandu

Abstract

This article is conducted to analyze the nutritional behavior of elderly Buddhists and its effects on healthy lifestyle. Many studies show that most of the elderly people are not getting nutrient food due to their economic as well as health problems. This article is based on analytical research design with few research hypotheses. The elderly Buddhist within the Kathmandu Valley were studied as the population of the study and 640 elderly Buddhists including of 320 male and 320 female elders from different clusters were sampled conveniently. The data collected through structure interview for this research article. The SPSS version 20, ANOVA for F-Test, regression analysis and research hypothesis testing and the T-Test with accepted level of statistical significance set at P value < 0.05 were applied for inferential analysis. It is concluded that the female, 60-69 aged group, literate group, joint family system and service and business occupation based Buddhist elders were practicing healthy life style. The statistical test for research hypothesis concludes that the knowledge and awareness on nutrient food elements, regular use of fresh and hygienic food behavior, regular use of fresh fruits and vegetables have a significant impact on healthy life style. Similarly, the frequency and quantity of nutritious food elements, regular use of meat and poultry and use of liquid nutrient food items do not have a significant impact on the healthy lifestyle of elderly Buddhists.