Objective: The present study was conceived in response to a perceived lack of data about the nutritional status of free-living elderly Yoruba people living in a poor urban area in south-western Nigeria. The major focus was to assess the micronutrient status of elderly Yoruba people living in a slum of Ibadan. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study was designed to collect data on dietary intake and micronutrient status. Setting: By means of a structured questionnaire and the estimated food record method, nutrient intake was assessed. Blood was taken from 120 people to determine serum micronutrient levels. Subjects: A total of 240 elderly Yoruba people were selected from Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria using a random sampling technique. Conclusions: The majority of the elderly Yoruba people were deficient in Zn, ferritin and vitamin B 6 . This is the result of a diet lacking in vitamins and minerals.