Dietary characteristics and nutrient intake in an urban homebound population

The food and nutrient intake of 53 homebound older persons (mean age = 82 years) who receive home medical care in metropolitan Boston was examined, using the 24-hour recall and food frequency methodologies. Demographic data were collected in personal interviews, and systematic analyses were conducted of subjects' medical records. Mean intake of energy, folic acid, and calcium was below the RDAs for both men and women, and intake of thiamin was below the RDA for men. Nutrient intake failed to meet the RDAs for nine leader nutrients in 40% to 80% of the sample. Fewer than 20% of the subjects were able to name the Basic Food Groups or any of their food components. The subjects' age, income, gender, marital and health status, living situation, and educational level did not predict nutrient intake. Poor dietary intake among older, homebound persons, coupled with diverse medical problems, places them at major risk of nutrition problems. The nutrition needs and problems of the homebound elderly should be considered in the delivery of home health care services.