Nutrient intake of urban and rural elderly receiving home-delivered meals

We evaluated nutrient intake (as measured by a 3-day food record) and nondietary factors that may influence nutrient intake in urban (n = 48) and rural (n = 47) elderly clients in the Title III C home-delivered meal program. Mean nutrient intake did not differ significantly between the two populations; each population met or exceeded 100% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for all nutrients other than energy, vitamin B-6, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. However, 70% of the individuals within each population had intakes below 66% of the RDA for three or more nutrients and were thus classified as having poor diets. Factors such as the need for assistance with shopping and cooking, living situation, vitamin/mineral supplementation, prescription drugs, and dentition did not significantly predict nutritional intake in either the urban or the rural cohorts. However, 50% to 70% of both the rural and the urban homebound elderly needed assistance with cooking and shopping for food. The rural elderly relied on family members for help with shopping and cooking to a greater extent than did their urban counterparts. We conclude that nutrient intake of the homebound elderly is not affected by geographic location. However, both rural and urban clients are at risk for developing nutrient deficiencies.