ELDERLY PATIENTS MEAL PATTERNS - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

The aim of this study was to examine possible causes of malnutrition i n geriatric patients on admission to hospital by evaluation and compar ison of their meal pattern between periods of working, retirement and hospitalization, respectively. Forty-five consecutive patients aged 60 years or older participated. By use of modified dietary history inter views, a retrospective assessment of food intake was carried out. A qu alitative system for meal classification was then applied. In the reti rement period there was a strong reduction in daily eating frequency w hen compared to working and hospital periods. Thus, the daily intake a nd also distribution of energy and nutrients seem to be reduced during retirement, which might lead to nutritional deficiency.