To better define nutritional risk among older Americans, a cross-sectional study of nutrition and health status was carried out in a probability sample of 1,156 free-living elders, 70 years and older, from 67 communities representing urban and rural areas of the six New England states. All participants completed telephone interviews concerning demographic and health characteristics. A subsample of 1,156 individuals underwent in-home assessments of oral health, anthropometries, and nutritional risk, including a 24-hour dietary recall. Nutrition-related problems were common and diverse among New England elders. Some 41.5% were overweight (BMI > 27 kg/m2), and mean dietary lipid intakes were considerably above recommended levels (Healthy People 2000 (National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives). Some 16% were underweight (BMI < 22 kg/m2), mean dietary calcium levels were low, and about 28% of older individuals failed to consume adequate levels (> 75% the Recommended Dietary Allowance for persons 51 years and older) for three or more key nutrients. Persons of advanced age or who smoked were more likely to have high dietary lipid intakes or less than adequate nutrient intake. Higher dietary lipid levels were also more common among men and individuals who lived with others. Low nutrient intake was more prevalent in those with lower educational attainment and dental problems. Nutrition policies and multidisciplinary interventions for older Americans need to emphasize the spectrum of nutritional problems in the elderly, including dietary excesses and potential nutrient deficiencies. The demographic and life-style characteristics that place older individuals at high nutritional risk need to be considered, particularly advanced age, gender, living situation, smoking, dietary behavior, educational attainment, and dental health.