Nutritional needs surveys among the elderly--Russia and Armenia, 1992.

The ongoing social, political, and economic changes in the 15 republics of the former Soviet Union have resulted in hyperinflation of the Soviet Union ruble (SUR), regional conflicts, and other hardships for the populations of these republics (1). In January 1992, a public health assessment in Russia indicated that the elderly--most of whom subsist on fixed incomes and among whom the prevalences of decreased mobility or chronic illnesses may be substantial--are at greatest risk because of declining social support. During March-May 1992, CARE, in collaboration with CDC, conducted three surveys in Russia and Armenia to assist in targeting the delivery of food and medical humanitarian aid to the most needy among the elderly. This report summarizes findings from these surveys.