Vegetarianism and Health Status among the Senior Citizens of Iligan City

Abstract

This study aimed to find out the vegetarianism and health status among selected senior citizens of Iligan City using a survey research design that makes use of the descriptive-comparative method of research. The results of the study are used as a basis for creating a health intervention program that will provide the respondents an option of a better and healthy life style. Out of the 100 elderly respondents, 70 are non-vegetarians and 30 are vegetarians. The results showed that vegetarian diet has a positive effect on the respondents’ muscular endurance and muscular strength. The result also showed that vegetarian diet which is less in saturated fats and high in fiber increases the cardiovascular endurance of the respondents, thus, improving their personality type, stress resiliency level, and physical activity participation. Furthermore, the vegetarian diet has shown to improve the senior citizens’ medical condition, but the effects of aging in inevitable. Lifestyle diseases have been observed with the vegetarian respondents because of aging and it is also observed the same with the non-vegetarian respondents. In conclusion, vegetarian diet is good since it promotes a healthy life especially among the elderly.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n9p586