Food patterns in an urban population: age and sociodemographic correlates

Age and sociodemographic differentials in food patterns were examined in a probability sample of 372 households in a midwest metropolitan county. Two aspects of food patterns were delineated: food intake and eating patterns. Food intake was measured by the 24 hr recall method, and eating patterns by frequency of eating, skipping meals, and foods consumed shortly after rising. Meat was the only food consumed with recommended frequency by all age groups. Dairy products were reported with less than one-half the recommended frequency by all age groups over 35. The elderly consumed less milk, but more fruits and vegetables, and more breads and cereals than younger groups. The aged reported fewer eating episodes on the recall day, although they tended to skip fewer meals. Multiple regression analysis indicated that food intake and eating pattern differences by age remained when the effects of income, education, household compostion, and gender were controlled.