Prevalence and socio-demographic predictors of dietary goal attainment in an older population

Objective: To describe the measured dietary intakes and anthropometry of a large, free-living population of middle-aged and older Australians who part icipated in the Australian Blue Mountains Eye Study (BMES), and to identify the sociodemographic characteristics associated with attainment or non-att ainment of dietary goals. Method: Anthropometry and dietary intakes were compared with current popula tion dietary goals and Recommended Dietary Intakes for 2,873 people (79% of eligible residents) aged greater than or equal to 49 years who participate d in the BMES. Nutrient intakes were measured by a validated food frequency questionnaire. Results: Nutrients for which mean intakes deviated most from nutrition goal s included: percentages of energy from total and saturated fat, carbohydrat e and alcohol (men), as well as absolute intakes of calcium, zinc and fibre . More than half the men (60%) and women (54%) were overweight or obese. Se veral micronutrient goals were more likely to be met in households where th e respondents and/ or their spouses were independent. Married men were more likely to meet goals for fibre and iron, but less likely to meet the goal for cholesterol. Several goals were more likely to be met by men and women who had qualifications after leaving school, those with higher job status a nd non-pensioners, suggesting an socio-economic status dimension. Conclusions and implications: These results indicate that over- rather than under-nutrition is more prevalent among community-dwelling older people, a lthough under-nutrition should not be overlooked. Particular sub-groups tha t are less likely to meet some dietary goals may require targeting in commu nity nutrition interventions.