Dietary changes in older Americans, 1977–1987

Abstract

This study compares dietary practices of persons aged ≥ 65 y surveyed as part of the 1977–78 and 1987–88 Nationwide Food Consumption Surveys. Intakes of high-fat beef and pork, whole milk, and white bread decreased with increases in low-fat beef, pork, poultry and fish, low-fat milk, and whole-grain breads. However, consumption of many important sources of calories and fat (high-fat desserts, butter, and margarine) and fiber (fruits, high-fiber cereals, and vegetables) changed little between 1977 and 1987. The food-consumption trends translated into modest changes in overall nutrient intake. Gender differences were small and contradict the prevailing feeling that women are changing their diets more rapidly than are men. The authors suggest that public health messages have focused too heavily on foods to avoid while not giving adequate guidance for how to plan and prepare meals that will enable older Americans to meet the current diet and health recommendations.