Gender differences in food intake among Irish community-dwelling elderly subjects: The ELDERMET project

Abstract

The proportion of citizens older than 65 years of age in Western populations is increasing. It is therefore important to investigate the fundamental role of diet in the prevention of age-associated chronic disease (1) . In addition, gender differences in food consumption and nutrient intakes are well recognised (2) , and need to be further explored and addressed.The aim of this study was to establish the frequency of consumption of the major food groups within a cohort of elderly, Irish subjects (n = 210; 113 male and 97 female 64-93 y), who participated in the ELDERMET project.Dietary data was collected using a validated semi-quantitative, 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Individual food and beverage items were aggregated into 30 (mutually exclusive) food groups. Median daily serving intake was calculated and statistical analysis was conducted using PASW 2 (version 18.0) for two age categories, 64-75 yrs and ‡ 76 yrs.Females (64-75y) consumed significantly (P < 0.05) more unrefined wholegrain cereals, dietary supplements, salad dressings, probiotic yoghurts, fresh soups, fish, hot beverages and fruit than males. Males of the same age range consumed significantly (P < 0.05) more processed soups, meat products, soft drinks, alcohol, meat and refined cereals (see table). Cross-gender, food group variance among the more senior group (n = 102) was limited to alcohol intake; with males consuming significantly more than females (P < 0.05). In addition, females from both age groups showed higher compliance rates with the recently revised Irish dietary guidelines for adults aged > 51 y (3) .

Gender Differences in Practice, Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Food Habits and Meal Patterns Among Community Dwelling Older Adults

“…There are few previous studies looking at gender differences according to practice, knowledge and attitudes regarding food habits and meal patterns among elderly. Most of the earlier studies are focused on nutrient intakes, malnutrition, pharmaceutics or other diseases and have often been carried out in nursing homes or in younger populations (19,21,22,41,42,(56)(57)(58)(59).…”

“…Power et al (41) studied the frequency of consumption of the major food groups among a group of elderly and detected gender differences especially among males aged 64-75 yrs. Maharana et al (42) studied gender differences concerning health and food expenditures and findings indicated a wide gender disparity, being higher among men than women, though narrowing the gap with time.…”