Nutrition counseling needs in a geriatric population

The diet of many elderly people is low in essential nutrients, apparently because of the physiologic and psychosocial changes that accompany aging and a lack of nutrition counseling. Many older Americans are also overweight. Others require special diets that modify long-established eating patterns and nutrient intake. A study of nutrition in 680 elderly people showed that demographic variables significantly related to weight were marital status, education, income, and living arrangements. Inadequacy of calcium or vitamin A or C was not affected by marital status. However, living arrangements influenced dietary adequacy of calcium, and income and education affected intake of vitamins A and C. Data obtained in this study showed that subjects both were interested in and needed nutrition counseling; 36% wanted more information on a balanced diet. Nutrition counseling should play a major role in geriatric treatment programs.