Effect of participation in congregate-site meal programs on nutritional status of the healthy elderly

This study was designed to evaluate whether participation in a congregate-site meal program influenced the nutritional status of a group of healthy elderly.

Nutritional status, as defined by dietary intake and biochemical indexes, was assessed in free-living persons (aged 60 to 89 years) who either did (n = 70) or did not (n = 65) participate in the meal program. Three-day mean intakes of 17 nutrients and serum levels of 13 indexes of nutritional status were measured.

Multifactorial analysis of variance was used to determine differences in nutrient intake data and biochemical indexes between the groups. By means of correlation analysis, relationships between income and main outcome measures were examined. chi 2 Analysis was used to determine differences in response to categorical variables of the questionnaire.

In general, dietary intakes of participants did not differ significantly from those of nonparticipants, nor did the meal provided at the site significantly affect the overall dietary intake of participants. Mean biochemical indexes of nutritional status were within normal ranges for participants and nonparticipants, except for iron. However, 26% of the population consumed diets that may place them at risk for nutritional inadequacy.

Mean dietary intake data and biochemical indexes of nutritional status suggest that the congregate-site meal program did not significantly affect the nutritional status of the population surveyed. Additional studies focusing on the nutritional intake and status of low-income, ethnic minority, and socially isolated participants in the congregate-site meal program are needed to assess which populations are at risk for nutritional deficiencies.