Food Habits and Anthropometric Measurements in a Group of Independent and Institutionalized Elderly People in Spain.

Abstract

SummaryBecause of an increase in the number of elderly and the problems of nutrition associated with them, we considered it of interest to study the eating habits of 352 elderly persons (134 males and 218 females) 65 to 95 years of age in an urban area in the north of Spain (Oviedo). The purpose of this study was specifically to describe the differences in the eating habits of elderly institutionalized persons and those resident at home and to detect the nutritional status of 161 subjects living in institutions and 191 living at home. The weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and triceps skinfold (PTP) of each were recorded. To determine the eating habits, a questionnaire measuring the frequency of food consumption was distributed to the subjects. The mean age of the institutionalized elderly was greater than those living independently. The mean values of BMI indicated overweight in all cases, with values around those of obesity in independent females (BMI=29.97). The value of PTP was found to be within normal limits, but a greater percentage of institutionalized subjects showed PTP values of less than P10 (males, 10.2%; females, 11%). Food habits showed that the consumption of fish and margarine/oil was greater in institutionalized subjects of both sexes. Independent males consumed more vegetables; females consumed more milk and greens. Milk, vegetables, fruit, and fish were the food groups with consumption frequencies less than those recommended. A greater percentage of noncompliance was seen among the institutionalized elderly.

Effects of Education on the Quality of Life, Diet, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in an Elderly Spanish Community Population

“…In this study, several differences in the food choice and macronutrient intake of elderly people according to educational attainment were observed, after adjusting for age, energy intake, and place of residence (because institutionalization has been shown to vary dietary patterns) (Lasheras, Gonza Âlez, Patterson, & Ferna Ândez, 1998). Men with a lower educational level consumed more sugar and fats and less fish products than those in the higher class, a fact that was also found by other authors (Hulshof et al, 1991).…”

Independent and Interactive Association of Blood Antioxidants and Oxidative Damage in Elderly People

“…However, we cannot confirm this point because no comparative data are available for elderly in our country. On the contrary, previous studies in our community comparing institutionalized with noninstitutionalized elderly people, [24,25] reveal no differences in mean nutrient intake or blood parameters between these two groups. Therefore, we believe rather, that data cannot be easily compared with other values given in the literature because of the scarce data for elderly, the variety of assay methods and population used and the lack of unit standardization.…”

Nutritional status, functional ability and food habits of institutionalised and non-institutionalised elderly people in Morogoro region, Tanzania

“…It is obvious that to get the drink one needed to have money, something that was more difficult for the institutionalised elderly than their counterparts. Lasher et al (15) reported a higher frequency of alcohol intake among the institutionalised elderly in Spain whereby unlike the situation in Tanzania, the management of the centres provided the alcohol.…”