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

Elderly participants in the Title III-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).

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.

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 < .05) were higher in diets of female elders above the poverty line than those below. Black women were most affected by poverty, with 92% below the poverty line. A trend was observed for higher intakes of fatty components (total fat, cholesterol, % fat calories) for both men and women in the below-poverty than in above-poverty groups. DeKalb Community Council on Aging subjects had higher intakes of Vitamin A than those in the ENP, but overall most nutrients were higher in both congregate and home delivery clients of ENP.

Title III-C Nutrition Programs have been implemented since 1973, and nutrition education is an obligatory component. The high incidence of nutrient/energy inadequacy in this study was surprising, but consistent with previous reports. New ways of implementing better food intakes of senior citizens are needed. In addition, research is needed to establish differences in nutrient profiles of elderly clients below and above the poverty level.