Food group consumption and self‐rated diets of elderly community‐dwelling Canadian males. The Manitoba Follow‐up Study

Abstract

Healthy eating perceptions and food group consumption practices of elderly men are largely unexplored. Self-reported nutrition data, obtained via mailed questionnaires in 2000, from 1,211 Canadian male respondents (mean age 82 years) participating in the Manitoba Follow-up Study were analyzed. This survey examined the frequency of food items consumed (at least once per day, most days, or rarely). Food items were categorized into four food groups based on Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating. Respondents consumed vegetables/fruit (64%) and grain products (57%) at least once per day, and meat/alternatives (81%) most days. Milk products were equally consumed at least once per day (47%) or most days (47%). Using multiple logistic regression models, controlling for demographic variables, a linear relationship was found between the increasing consumption of vegetables/fruit and grain products and healthier self-rated diets. Daily consumption of vegetables/fruit or grain products significantly predicted healthier self-rated diets, OR=1.80 (95%CI=1.32, 2.45) and OR=1.36 (95%CI=1.01, 1.84), respectively. Those consuming meat/alternatives or milk products “at least once per day” or “rarely” both rated their diets as healthier than those consuming these items “most days”. Daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, and grain products is viewed to be important for overall health and is positively associated with healthier self-rated diets among Canadian elderly males. Supported by Canadian Institutes of Health Research.