Individually weighed food intakes have been obtained over an 8-day period from 14 men (age range 63-91 years) 25 women (age range 61-94 years) resident in geriatric wards in an Essex hospital. Nutrient intakes have been computed from food composition tables vitamin C also by chemical analysis. Energy intakes were low compared with those obtained in other surveys, and were lowest for patients with the highest energy requirements as judged by activity. Average protein intakes were adequate and protein quality expressed as net dietary protein calories per cent was similar to that found in other hospitals, but maximum protein utilisation may have been limited by energy restriction. Fat-soluble vitamin intakes were generally low, as were intakes of most other nutrients considered. Low consumption of fortified cereals partially accounted for poor intakes of iron and nicotinic acid, while consumption of an average of 400 ml milk daily was largely responsible for satisfactory riboflavine and calcium intakes. Contrary to expectation, the long-term chronically ill patients who required the most nursing care and help with feeding had the highest intakes. Patients who were capable and therefore allowed to feed themselves made the poorest choice of food and consumed the least.