Meal Patterns of Older Adults: Results from the OUTDOOR ACTIVE Study

Eating habits have a substantial effect on health, not only because of consumed foods and nutrients, but also because of the regularity of meals. This study investigates meal patterns in older adults. Data from 1198 adults (52.8% female) aged between 65 and 75 years, who resided in Bremen, Germany, were included in this cross-sectional study. Using a self-administered questionnaire, daily meals were assessed and categorised into three meal pattern types: 'regular eaters' (eating at least three meals a day), 'meal skippers' (skipping one meal a day), and 'irregular eaters' (skipping more than one meal a day). Descriptive analyses were carried out, stratified by sex and meal pattern types. Most women and men were regular eaters (51.5% and 51.7%, respectively), 33.8% of women and 33.3% of men were meal skippers, and 14.7% of women and 15.0% of men were irregular eaters. Differences between meal patterns were seen with regard to socioeconomic status; self-rated health; body-mass index; hypertension; consumption of self-prepared meals; and consumption of whole-grain products, green vegetables, meat, and alcohol. The results provide first insights into possible associations between meal patterns and sociodemographic and health factors, and can benefit disease prevention and health promotion in older adults.