Evaluation of the Nutrition Behaviour of People Above Age 65

Abstract

The population of elderly people is rising, both in developed and developing countries. Due to the physiological changes occurring with age, food consumption patterns alter, and the variety of foodstuffs consumed diminishes. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the consumption of various foodstuffs necessary for the daily diet by the elderly. The study was conducted using the direct survey method among 102 respondents aged over 65 years, residing in the city of Sopot. It was found that the nutrition behaviour of the study group was incorrect. The frequency of consuming wholemeal bread, grits, legumes, vegetables and fruits was low. The drinking of milk and the consumption of dairy or fish occurred rarely. Additionally, they preferred animal fats, not recommended in their diet. They mainly consumed three meals a day, and drank insufficient amounts of fluids. Overweight and obesity were predominant.

Keywords

• nutrition behaviour
• food intake frequency
• elderly people