In India, the term “elderly” has been defined as all individuals of 60 years and above (Government of India, 2011). Ageing is a dynamic process that represents the molecular, biochemical, physiological and structural changes when growth stops. Ageing is the intrinsic, inevitable and irreversible age-related process of loss of viability and increase in vulnerability. Ultimately ageing is associated with functional decline of the systems. Ageing also has a gender perspective. Women are more vulnerable.

Population dynamics are changing world over and in India too with the increasing elderly population. Along with the population ageing, social trends are also changing with increasing number of elderly either living alone or in institution. The present study was undertaken in Surat city to understand the differences in the nutritional status of elderly (Man & Woman) residing in their own homes (non-institutionalized) and those residing in institutions.

The knowledge base with regard to demographic, social, economical and nutritional status of elderly is woefully inadequate (UNFPA, 2011). Hence, it is imperative to undertake studies in various geographic locations and settings to gather information about the elderly to address the needs of this growing segment of population in future. Considering this, the present study was undertaken in Surat city of Gujarat State of India with the following objectives.

* The broad objective of the study was to assess the socio-demographic profile, nutritional status of the elderly (60 years and above) and compare among those residing in their own home (Free Living or Non-Institutionalized group) and those residing in old age homes (Institutionalized group).

* The specific objectives of the study were to assess the differences among the Free-living and Institutionalized elderly with regard to the following parameters. 1) Socio-demographic profile 2) Nutritional status using anthropometric measurements, Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist circumference, Waist Hip Ratio (WHR), Demispan, Demiquet and Mindex indices.

The study reveals that: Among the 1005 elderly studied, 794 lived in their own homes and remaining 211 lived in old age homes.Majority of the elderly were literate (83%) with a higher proportion of men being literate (86%) as compared to women (80%).More than half (56%) of the elderly belonged to middle income group, one-fourth were from low income group and one-fifth were from high income group.The mean weight, height, waist and hip circumference was significantly higher among free living elderly as compared to institutionalized elderly. Demiquet Index in men and Mindex index in women revealed that free living elderly had higher means of these indices as compared to institutionalized elderly. On the other hand, mean waist hip ratio was higher among institutionalized elderly. Considering recent BMI classification, a significantly higher proportion of elderly from the institutions were underweight and a significantly higher proportion of free living elderly were obese.