How Diet Quality in Older Adults Relates to Meal Location, Eating with Others, and Electronic Screen Use

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess diet quality of eating occasions by location, whether or not meals were eaten with others, or while engaging with electronic screens (TV, computer) using the Automated Self‐Administered 24‐Hour Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24) for dietary recalls.MethodsMen and women 50–70 years of age participating in a diet and physical activity measurement error study were asked to complete 6 ASA24 recalls over 12 months. Those completing at least one ASA24 (n= 1,021) were included. Eating occasions were sorted into categories based on meal location, presence of others, and screen use, and the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2010 and nutrient/food group intakes were evaluated for each category.ResultsMeals eaten at home vs. away from home had higher average HEI scores (men 39.2 vs. 35.5; women 38.8 vs. 36.1). Meals eaten with others vs. alone had HEI scores that were about 5 points higher (men 41.2 vs. 36.4; women 41.2 vs. 36.7). Eating occasions that included vs. excluded screen use had slightly higher HEI scores (men 38.3 vs. 38.1; women 39.1 vs. 37.3). Additional differences were observed when screen use was stratified by screen type (TV, computer, both). Differences in energy and nutrient intake were also detected in these contexts for specific meal types. Lunches eaten at home vs. away from home had less energy (men 573 kcal vs. 721 kcal; women 460 kcal vs. 547 kcal) and less fat (men 24.3 g vs. 32.1 g; women 19.5 g vs. 24.7 g). Dinners/suppers eaten with others vs. alone had more calories (men 997 kcal vs. 842 kcal; women 766 kcal vs. 667 kcal) and more fat (men 40.7 g vs. 35.7 g; women 32.4 g vs. 28.6 g). Similar patterns were found for other meals.ConclusionAs expected, HEI scores for eating occasions are lower than if total days had been assessed. Among this sample of diets reported by older adults, diet quality appeared to be somewhat related to meal context as defined by location, eating with others, and screen use.