Changes in nutritional status and nutritional intake among elderly residents of a community over a 10-year period: the Hisayama Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in nutritional status and nutrient intake among 387 elderly residents (> or = 60 y.o.) of Hisayama Town. A dietary survey was carried out at baseline in 1988 and repeated at the end of the follow-up period in 1998. During the 10-year follow-up period, mean values of body height and weight, and body mass index significantly decreased in both sexes. Likewise, blood hemoglobin and serum total cholesterol levels significantly decreased, while serum albumin and HDL-cholesterol levels significantly increased. Among dietary factors, mean energy intake significantly decreased due mainly to a decrease in the amount of carbohydrate intake, but no significant changes in the amount of protein and fat intakes were observed. The percentages of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for all nutrients eaten except for iron changed at the levels above 100%. The percentage of energy derived from carbohydrate significantly decreased, while those from protein and fat significantly increased. In conclusion, among community-dwelling healthy elderly people, mean energy intake significantly decreased due to a decrease in the amount of carbohydrate intake, and the fat intake relatively increased, with advancing age, but the blood lipid profile remained unchanged.