Dietary intakes in Ireland of a healthy elderly population

The aim of this paper is to assess the adequacy of the diet of individuals over 60 yr of age, participating in the 1990 Irish National Nutritional Survey. A nationwide random sample based on the most recently updated electoral register was used. Demographic information was collected. Anthropometric measurements were taken and nutrient intake was assessed using the 7-day dietary history method. The randomly selected sample of 1213 subjects was considered to be representative of the Irish population. Of those selected, 163 individuals were over 60 yr of age, 79 of whom were male and 84 female. Mean energy intakes including alcohol for males and females were 9.55 +/- 3.09MJ and 7.07 +/- 2.39MJ respectively. The main sources of energy were bread, meat and meat products, potatoes and milk. As percentage energy, protein, fat and carbohydrate intakes were 14.90 per cent, 33.97 per cent and 48.22 per cent for men and 15.39 per cent, 34.09 per cent and 49.37 per cent for women respectively. Except for vitamin D and folate, micronutrient intakes were adequate. The body mass index (BMI [weight/height2] kg/m2) for men was 25.6 and for women 26.4. Fewer than 27.8 per cent of the males and 20.2 per cent of females take part in regular physical activity. In conclusion, the diet of a healthy elderly population in Ireland is nutritionally adequate with macronutrient intake in keeping with the recommended guidelines. Overall energy intakes are lower than those of a younger age group and may account for the lower intakes of certain micronutrients. An increase in fruit and vegetable consumption would improve vitamin and mineral intake. In order to allow for a higher energy intake an increase in physical activity is desirable.