Dietary intake and health habits of healthy, retired, elderly men.
Retired, non-sedentary, elderly men (66 to 80 years) participated in this study. Three-day food records, one-week records of daily physical activity and information on health habits and medical and physical activity status were obtained. Analysis of the food records showed a mean total energy intake of 2040 +/- 461 (SD), with carbohydrates contributing 46.7 +/- 10.8% of total energy, fat 34.3 +/- 8.9%, protein 16.9 +/- 3.1%, and alcohol 1.9 +/- 2.7%. Mean consumption of the selected nutrients studied were above the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). The mean activity level in a typical week was 14.6 +/- 6.8 Cooper points. Results of this study suggest that maintaining physical activity and consuming a nutritionally adequate diet may contribute significantly to the maintenance of health and well-being among the elderly and may delay the deterioration of functional capacity which accompanies the normal process of aging.
Arnet
J W
JW
Zahler
L P
LP
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004034:Diet Surveys; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D015444:Exercise; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D012179:Retirement