Background: Osteoporosis is a global public health problem affecting the ageing population and influenced by poor nutrition, lack of physical activities, and absence of supplementation on time. Objectives: To study the impact of Calcium and vitamin D supplementation along with weight bearing exercises on bone health status of elderly. Methods: 30 elderly males and 20 elderly females having poor BMD and poor serum vitamin D were supplemented with 1000 mg calcium and 500 IU vitamin D/ day along with weight bearing exercises for a period of 3 months, along with that 60000 IU vitamin D3/week for 2 months were given to 30 males only. Serum calcium, Vitamin D, BMD, dietary calcium intake, frequency of vitamin D rich food intake, anthropometry etc. were measured at the baseline as well as after the intervention. Results: Mean BMD T-scores (-1.1 to-2.5: osteopenia; >-2.5: osteoporosis) of the elderly males and females were significantly (p 0.001) decreased after the intervention depicting improvement (baseline:-2.34±0.50, final:-1.86±0.61). 26.7% reduction in osteoporotic cases among males and 50 % among women was achieved. Mean serum calcium (baseline: 9.38±0.63, final: 9.46±0.61) and vitamin D level (baseline: 23.76±13.17, final: 35.48±14.84) was increased significantly (p 0.05). 60% males and 70% females achieved vitamin D sufficiency level after the intervention. Mean physical endurance (Grip strength, standing balance, walking speed and rise from chair) scores were significantly increased in both males and females. Locomotor problems were reduced among 6.7% males and 40% females after regular weight bearing exercise and supplementation. Conclusion: Calcium and vitamin D supplementation with daily weight bearing exercise has a preventive and curative effect on BMD and it maintains the serum calcium and vitamin D levels. Long term and high dose supplementation needs further investigation.

India is witnessing demographic transition leading to rapid increase in number of elderly and old age homes. There is dearth of information about problems related to health, nutritional status and quality of life of the institutionalized elderly in many parts of the country. Objectives: Analysis of the old age homes (institutions) and nutrition and health profile of the elderly females residing in old age homes of major cities of Gujarat. Methods: Baseline data on basic infrastructures and facilities available in 12 old age homes of four major cities (Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat and Vadodara) of Gujarat state were collected. Baseline data on nutritional status, life style, general and metal health (GDI, CIT and MMSE) profile of 149 institutionalized elderly females aged > 60 years were also collected. Results: Institutional profile revealed that old age homes of Ahmedabad and Baroda offered better facilities. Poor dietary and other facilities were offered by the old age homes in Rajkot. 75 per cent institutes provided first aid and emergency hospital facilities. Only 7 homes provided less than 3 meals per day. Mean age of the female elderly was 74 years. 33.6 per cent and 14.8 per cent subjects were overweight and obese, respectively. Anemia was prevalent in more than 45 per cent subjects. Dietary intake of protein, fibres, iron and -carotene was less than the RDA. Problems of oral cavity, pain in joints, mobility, vision, neurological problem, sleep disturbance, constipation etc. were prevalent among the subjects. GDI scores showed no significant difference between the age groups and inmates of different cities but showed a significant (P<0.01) difference in MMSE and CIT scores. Conclusion: Location, environment, activities and meal pattern might have influence on health of the elderly. Better dietary health care with good recreation activities and long term observational as well as interventional studies are recommended for old age home.