Dietary habits of seniors with some activity limitations

To determine which food groups compromise the adequacy of diet among 145 co mmunity-living seniors with some activity Limitations, this cross-sectional survey used an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The Multi-Functiona l Assessment Questionnaire, to derive an activity limitation score. Current food intake was collected with Block's food frequency and assessed with a diet score. Weight and knee heights were obtained with standardized methods to determine body mass index (BMI) and relate weight to diet habits. A sem i-structured questionnaire was used to ascertain recent changes in food hab its and weight. The majority of seniors (83%) had activity scores indicatin g moderate to severe functional impairment. The average diet score indicate d adequate dietary intake, although a substantial proportion of participant s did not consume minimum recommended servings of grain products, vegetable s, fruits, meat and meat alternatives. Many respondents reported recent cha nges in their food intake primarily a decrease. Although the average BMI wa s satisfactory, 12% had a value below 20. BMI was positively and significan tly associated with diet score. Two-thirds of respondents reported a weight change, with 65% being weight losses. Weight loss was significantly associ ated with decreased intake of meat products and poor appetite. These activi ty-limited seniors reported diets low in grain products, vegetables and fru its, and decreases in food intake and weight loss. Whether or not the level of activity limitation is associated with these changes remains to be dete rmined.