MILK CONSUMPTION IN OLDER AMERICANS

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to identify individual chara cteristics associated with types and frequency of milk consumption in older American adults. Methods. A national probability-based sample (r esponse rate = 91%) completed a telephone survey. Generalized legit an d cumulative legit analyses were used to identify predictors of and ba rriers to fluid milk consumption in 494 elderly people. Results. The l ikelihood of drinking skim or 1% milk rather than whole milk increased with nutrition knowledge, income, trying to reduce cholesterol intake , and being female (P < .05). Frequency of milk consumption was higher with nutrition knowledge, frequency of milk consumption during adoles cence, and following a diabetic diet but was lower with milk intoleran ce. Conclusions. The present results could be used to develop interven tion strategies for improving milk consumption rates among older adult s. These strategies might focus on increasing elderly people's awarene ss of milk intolerance and lactose-reduced milk products and their con cern about cholesterol. The relationship between current and adolescen t milk consumption suggests that intervention strategies should begin early in life.