Nutrition beyond 65, part 2

D. Volkert, K. Kreuel, P. Stehle, Bonn

Basic knowledge, search for information and wishes of the elderly

Within the research project "Integrated evaluation of nutrition in the elderly – nutrition beyond 65" these questions have been studied in a cohort of 361 free living elderly by answering a standardized questionnaire (personal interview). All participants lived in private households, were free of acute diseases and were not in need of care.

The participants showed a surprisingly high standard of knowledge: 87 % can define distinct aspects of a health protecting, balanced diet and 86 % know about the daily necessary fluid intake. The majority is familiar with terms like "dietary fibre" and "osteoporosis" (81 % and 74 %, respectively); the meaning of it is, however, often not clear. The preferred sources of information are TV (51%), medical consultants (48 %) and brochures from assurances and pharmacies (47 %).

Courses offered by private schools (Volkshochschulen) and centres of consumer education requiring a higher grade of mobility are not attractive. The participants ask for an improved offer of smaller (single person) units of food at low cost. A better availability of delivery services like meals on wheels is a priority wish of the elderly. Obviously, there are age-specific differences: seniors aged 85 years or older showed a lower level of knowledge, exhibit a poorer interest to be informed and are less often prepared to formulate wishes than younger participants.

The present study clearly shows that younger female seniors possess the best prerequisites to successfully participate in general nutrition education and intervention programmes. Considering their limited basic knowledge, specific measures must be developed for very old seniors. EU12/02

Keywords: Elderly people / basic knowledge on nutrition / search for information / wishes

Sie finden den Artikel in deutscher Sprache in Ernährungs-Umschau 12/02 ab Seite 480.