Dietary intake and health habits of healthy, retired, elderly men

Retired, non-sedentary, elderly men (66 to 80 years) participated in this study. Three-day food records, one-week records of daily physical activity and information on health habits and medical and physical activity status were obtained. Analysis of the food records showed a mean total energy intake of 2040 +/- 461 (SD), with carbohydrates contributing 46.7 +/- 10.8% of total energy, fat 34.3 +/- 8.9%, protein 16.9 +/- 3.1%, and alcohol 1.9 +/- 2.7%. Mean consumption of the selected nutrients studied were above the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). The mean activity level in a typical week was 14.6 +/- 6.8 Cooper points. Results of this study suggest that maintaining physical activity and consuming a nutritionally adequate diet may contribute significantly to the maintenance of health and well-being among the elderly and may delay the deterioration of functional capacity which accompanies the normal process of aging.