Description of a mixed ethnie, elderly population. I. Demography, nutrient/energy intakes, and income status

Abstract

Background. Elderly participants in the Title ffl-C Nutrition Program, 60-103 years of age, were assessed for nutrient/energy intakes, relationship of income status to intakes, and comparison with data from the National Evaluation of the Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP). Method. Nonrandomized volunteers were interviewed in senior centers or in their homes. Chi-square, t test, and ANOVA were used to test for differences in dietary intakes with regard to ethnicity, gender, age, type of meal (congregate dining or home delivered), socialization factor (lived alone or with others), and income status. A new method of looking at diet quality, which conjoins nutrients and energy, was developed for this study. Results. Six percent of the sample had adequate energy and nutrient intakes over a 3-day period; 53% were rated tenuous or marginal, and 41% submarginal or inadequate. The Title III-C noon meal provided 38%-44% of the average daily energy intake and 33%-65% of the average intake of selected nutrients. Diets of men were better than those of women (p < .05). Calcium (p< .01 ) and potassium (p