Age-related Changes in Dietary Intake and Physical Activity Levles among Men

Abstract

2178 Healthy eating and regular physical activity are recognized as positive health behaviours and these behaviours are central to several health promotion programs in Canada and around the world. Whereas several health promotion studies examine women's health, studies seldom focus on men. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to examine the dietary intakes and physical activity profiles of younger, middle-aged and older men. MEASURES: Data were collected in 150 men. Background information was collected through a series of questions. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall. Information regarding home, sport and leisure physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults (Voorrips et al., 1997). RESULTS: The mean ages of the young, middle-aged and older adults were 21, 41 and 67, respectively. Participants were predominately (95%) of Caucasian descent. The lowest level of total physical activity was seen in the middle- aged group. In terms of physical activity levels, the middle- aged group had the greatest proportion of participants in the lowest tertile with 66% reporting a low activity level compared to 44% and 42% in the young and older adult age groups, respectively. The dietary intakes were analysed for nutrient content. The mean energy intakes of all age groups were lower than the recommended Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Intakes of protein, iron, phosphorous, Vitamin D, and B vitamins were significantly higher in the young adult group compared with the other two age groups. The mean calcium intake was above the DRI in the younger two age groups, but was only 79% of the DRI in the older adult group. Supplements were used by 54% of older adults and 48% of the young adult and middle-aged participants. Calcium supplement use increased across age groups with 12% of the older adults using calcium supplements compared to 2% and 4% in the young and middle-aged groups, respectively. Supplements advertised as physical performance enhancers such as creatine and protein were more commonly used by the young adults (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that the level of physical activity is less than optimal for all three age groups, but particularly in the middle-aged men. Agerelated changes in the intakes of various nutrients were observed. These results have implications for health promotion. Supported by Eastern Kings Memorial Health Foundation and Acadia University Research Fund