Changing perspectives in food, nutrition, and health are bringing new research opportunities. Knowledge that nutrients and other food substances prevent chronic disease expanded the study of dietary requirements beyond merely obviating deficiency. Government policy makers mandate food guidance programs to enable consumers to choose foods that are culturally appropriate yet support health. Intervention strategies leading to suitable food behavior are needed to address the rising health costs associated with aging and chronic diseases. Functional foods carrying added health benefits have gripped the attention of food producers and consumers, yet much is to be learned regarding long term effects. FCS professionals are uniquely qualified to study not only the theoretical bases of these issues but also their impact on the physical and psychosocial well‐being of families. Research methods and applications must be incorporated at all academic levels to prepare FCS professionals to meet the research opportunities and challenges ahead.

The interrelationships of obesity, hypertension, elevated plasma cholesterol (risk factors), and intakes of selected nutrients were examined among elderly subjects attending a congregate meal program in Vermont. Mean nutrient intakes were significantly higher for 22 males compared to 69 females. Mean plasma cholesterol levels were higher in females. Age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and indices of adiposity showed no sex differences. Intakes of total fat and animal protein increased in males but plasma cholesterol decreased with age. Systolic blood pressure in females increased while body mass index decreased with age. A higher proportion of females had plasma cholesterol levels greater than or equal 260 mg/100 ml and a higher proportion of females than males greater than 73 yr of age had blood pressures at risk level. There was a greater proportion of females than males with both elevated plasma cholesterol levels and adiposity. Similarly the females had greater incidence of the combination of any two risks. No males, compared to 9% of females, were in the all three risk category.

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