Dietary habits and ageing in a sample of Italian older people.

Objectives: To analyse dietary habits and explore the role of socioeconomic status in a sample of elderly Italians.

Study Design: Observational.

Participants And Setting: 306 elderly subjects aged 65 and over living in the Marche Region (Italy).

Measurements: Assessment of dietary habits and life-style characteristics using a "Life-style questionnaire". Nutritional data collected by means of a 53-item "Frequency food questionnaire".

Results: The study revealed differences in dietary patterns and food consumption. Age was negatively related to all food categories. Some socio-economic characteristics (level of education and economic status) were correlated with consumption of many foods, such ad Fish, Red Meat and Diary products. Between-the-sexes differences were also documented.

Conclusion: Our findings showed that the nutritional and dietary habits varied greatly within the sample investigated. The mapping of these dietary and nutritional patterns may be of value for future research in elderly populations, particularly those with low educational status and poor economic means. Conclusively, greater promotion of healthy dietary habits should be targeted towards elderly populations.