A plan for dietary guidance for the elderly

articipation in a national health promotion model project in town M, Okayama Prefecture

Abstract

  The objective of the present study was to elucidate the effectiveness of a menu (a total of four items, specifically staple food, main dish, and two side dishes) as dietary guidance for the elderly.
Subjects were 57 women (mean age, 65.4±3.7 years) residing in town M, Okayama Prefecture.
After reviewing the findings of a survey on the weekly diet of subjects based on the number of items per meal, subjects were assigned to the following three groups : A, three items per meal ; B, four items per meal ; and C, ≥five items per meal. The estimated average requirements determined by the dietary intake standards for Japanese individuals were compared among these groups.
Regarding energy intake and PFC balance, groups A and B had energy intake levels that were relatively close to standard levels, but had a slightly higher fat intake as well as a slightly lower protein intake. Group C had energy intake levels that exceeded standard levels by 30 to 50%, in addition to high intake of fats (around 30%) and carbohydrates (≤55%) .
As for intake of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, all groups had a deficiency of dietary fiber.
These findings suggest that planning of menus based on a menu (a total of four items, specifically staple food, main dish, and two side dishes) and review of diet as dietary guidance for the elderly were easy to understand and effective for promoting a balanced diet among the elderly.