Aging‐related changes of food intake in elderly subjects living in an urban community and relation with vital prognosis: Results of an 8‐year longitudinal study (TMIG‐LISA)

Abstract

Purpose: We conducted an 8‐year longitudinal study to investigate aging‐related changes in food and nutrient intake in a cohort of elderly subjects living in an urban community, and attempted to relate food intake with vital prognosis.Procedures: The first (baseline) nutrition survey was conducted in 1991 on 161 subjects (72 males and 89 females; aged 65–79) living in Koganei City. The second nutrition survey was conducted 8 years later in 1999. Excluding death or illness, 98 subjects (61%) were available for follow‐up. Nutrition survey was conducted by a three‐day dietary record method with daily home visits by dieticians. Aging‐related changes in physical attributes, food intake, nutrient intake, and intake adequacy were analyzed. The relationship between nutrition intake and mortality was analyzed by Cox proportional hazard model.Results: (i) Weight and body mass index in females decreased significantly accompanying aging. (ii) Among all food groups, consumption of fruits was significantly lowered in males and females. (iii) Significantly decreased intake of protein, fats, carbohydrate, iron, sodium was observed in females. (iv) No change in protein–fat–carbohydrate energy ratio was observed. (v) Nutrient intake was greater than the recommended dietary allowances at baseline and also eight years later. (vi) A significant correlation was observed between vegetable protein intake and vital prognosis in males.Conclusion: In the present cohort, although nutrient and food intake changed with aging, nutrient intake was higher than the recommended dietary allowances. These results show that a ‘diet for healthy longevity’ is achieved by continuing to maintain the recommended dietary allowances despite age advancement.