Adulthood and middle age is widely recognized as the time of life when unhealthy eating habits may develop. Data from various studies have demonstrated that changes in eating habits may also occur during old age. It is essential to acknowledge that a high consumption of certain food groups such as sweetened beverages, meat and eggs may contribute to an increased energy intake. This obviously results in high body mass index (BMI) and consequently an increased risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and obesity. Energy intake among middle aged and elderly individuals may be influenced by socio demographic factors (for example: age, gender, socio economic status), social factors (for example: marital status), environmental factors like access to food commodities as well as nutrition knowledge and physical activity level. The present review highlights eating habits, contribution of specific food groups to energy intake and the influence of several factors on energy intake among the middle aged and elderly population.
Middle age is an important period of life whereby unhealthy eating habits may develop. In addition, during old age, certain transitions such as retirement may impact on eating habits and health. This study was undertaken to identify and characterize dietary patterns in the middle aged and elderly people and to assess different factors influencing energy intake. A total of 500 participants aged between 35-65 years old completed a self-reported questionnaire investigating the eating habits, Physical Activity Level (PAL), Nutrition Knowledge (NK) and BMI. A three 24-hour dietary recalls over three weeks were used to estimate energy intake (EI) of the participants. Statistical tests performed revealed that the mean energy intake was 1919.8 kcal which was lower than the recommended daily allowance. The mean BMI was 24.6 Kg/m 2 . Factors such as gender, snacking frequency and nutrition knowledge were found to influence the EI of the participants (p < 0.05). As far as eating habits are concerned, snacks rich in fat and sugar, sweetened beverages, carbohydrates and dairy products were the most consumed food items. Healthy food items such as dairy products were more frequently consumed by the middle and higher socio economic groups as compared to the low income earners. Based on the results of this study, it is not advisable to recommend an increase in energy intake among the middle aged and elderly Mauritians. However, basic nutrition knowledge should be imparted to middle aged and elderly people and an increase in physical activity level can be recommended.
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