Nutritional status of elderly participants in a congregate meals program

This study was conducted to determine the nutritional status of elderly subjects participating in a congregate meals program. Twenty-four-hour recalls, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical determinations were the criteria used to determine nutritional status of the 30 volunteers. Information regarding use of dietary supplements was also obtained. Ninety-three percent of the participants consumed diets providing at least 70 percent of the RDA for the 13 nutrients calculated. Seven percent consumed diets rated as "poor," but none of the participants consumed diets supplying less than 54 percent of the RDA. Twenty-seven percent of the sample reported daily use of dietary supplements. Height, weight, mid-arm circumference, triceps skinfold, and abdominal circumference were measured. The incidence of obesity was high, with 42 percent of the women and 78 percent of the men being over 119 percent of ideal body weight. Mid-arm circumference, triceps skinfold, and abdominal circumference data agreed with the weight-for-height data. The incidence of obesity was greater in this study than in other studies cited, and, as was not the case in other studies, the incidence of obesity was greater in men. Biochemical determinations included hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum albumin, serum folate, ascorbic acid, and vitamins A, B6, and B12. Comparison of biochemical data with accepted standards indicated that the nutritional status of the participants was adequate.