Food behaviors of southern rural community-living elderly
K. M. Kolasa, J. P. Mitchell and A. C. Jobe
Department of Family Medicine, East Carolina University School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA.
OBJECTIVE: To examine how food behaviors and indicators of nutritional
status of elderly living in rural communities might relate to age, race,
income, medication use, activities of daily living and instrumental
activities of daily living, living arrangements, and other lifestyle and
health measures. DESIGN: In-home survey administered by trained
interviewers. SETTING: Communities in rural North Carolina. PARTICIPANTS: A
total of 2178 adults, aged 60 years and older, representing a 2% random
stratified example of the region's elderly. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Weight
status described by body mass index, functional status as activities of
daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, and self-reported
food and health behaviors. RESULTS: Substantial diversity exists among
households by age, race, residential location, and household size. Almost
three fourths of respondents had seen a physician in the last 6 months.
More than 33% of women and 28% of men were obese, but none reported having
been prescribed a weight-loss diet. About 18% of the respondents were
underweight. Weight was not related to income, perceptions of health,
chronic disease, medication use, feelings of depression, instrumental
activities of daily living, or exercise. Most (65%) ate three meals per
day, and almost all were able to eat without assistance. Few drank much
liquid or participated in structured exercise programs. Research is needed
to determine the impact of weight status on the quality of life of elderly
persons living in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: Current literature descriptions
of food behaviors and nutritional status of the elderly may not
appropriately describe rural elderly. Attention should be given to the
identification and treatment of malnutrition in the elderly.
