Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the food habits, nutrient intake, and disease distribution in the elderly (aged over 65 years). The correlation of diseases with anthropometric measurements and nutrients was investigated. The correlation of blood parameters with anthropometric measurements and nutrient intake was also studied. The results are as follow: 1) Most elderly men (68.6%) and women (81.6%) had more than three diseases. The food habits of the elderly women were worse than those of the men. Their intake of protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin B2 were lower than the RDA for those particular nutrients. 2) The incidence of gastritis (51.2%), fatty liver (46.4%), and hypertension (45.2%) were the highest among elderly men and women. 3) Anemia was negatively correlated with body weight. Hypercholesterolemia was positively correlated with body fat and negatively correlated with intake of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin B2. Hypertension was negatively correlated with alcohol consumption. 4) Blood total cholesterol concentration was positively correlated with percent ideal body weight (% IBW). Blood hemoglobin level was positively correlated with Body Mass Index (BMI). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were positively correlated with % IBW and BMI. Blood cholesterol concentration was negatively correlated with the intake of iron, vitamin A, vitamin B2, and cholesterol, and positively correlated with the consumption of alcohol. Blood hemoglobin level was positively correlated with the intake of total calories, carbohydrates, fat, protein, iron, vitamin B2, phosphorus, cholesterol, salt, and alcohol.

• Keywords: elderly; anthropometry; food habits; nutrient intake; diseases; health