Congregate Sites Research Articles

Absence of negative environmental effects of increased soil P levels in cattle congregation zones

Determining soil nutrient distribution in pasture with beef cattle operation is critical to identifying which area is at risk of nitrogen or phosphorus buildup and loading. Characterizing spatial variability of soil nutrients in relations to landscape location is important for understanding the effects of future land use change on soil nutrients and water pollution. We hypothesized that cattle congregation site may have higher concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen than in the pasture and grazing site or the adjoining forest site. This study assessed levels of Mehlich-1 extractable P, total inorganic N, and soil P saturation in relation to landscape locations in subtropical beef cattle pasture. Soil samples were collected during the spring and fall of 2005 to 2007 from three 19 adjoining landscape sites that are associated with beef cattle operation. These sites consisted of three locations: congregation, grazing, and forest sites. The levels of extractable P, total inorganic N, and P saturation in soils varied with landscape location. Congregation site had the highest concentration of extractable P of 36.1 mg kg−1, followed by grazing site of 17.7 mg kg−1, and forest site of 8.2 mg kg−1. Spatial distribution of total inorganic nitrogen across the landscape was higher for congregation site (2.3 mg kg−1) than forest site (0.9 mg kg−1) and grazing site (0.7 mg kg−1). The overall spatial distribution of extractable P from congregation site to forest site can be described by P = −4.2x + 45.8; (R 2 = 0.97**); the best-fit models for total inorganic N was 0.04x 2 − 0.6x + 3.5; (R 2 = 0.89**) and for soil P saturation was −3.6x + 36.2; (R 2 = 0.92**). Results show that the levels of extractable P, total inorganic nitrogen, and soil phosphorus saturation were decreasing from the congregation site to forest site. Although our results may have had supported our hypothesis that congregation site typical on Florida ranchers have greater concentrations of extractable P than in grazing site and forest site, the average extractable P at all three landscape locations did not exceed the crop requirement threshold of 36 mg kg−1 and the water quality protection threshold of 150 mg kg−1. Our current pasture management including cattle rotation in terms of grazing days and current fertilizer application had thus no negative environmental impact on landscape with cow–calf operation.

Regional Distribution of Soil Phosphorus Across Congregation-Grazing Zones of Forage-Based Pastures with Cow-Calf Operations in Florida

The arrangement of supplemental feed, water, shelter, and their concurrent interactions with topographic features may influence the distribution of animals and their simultaneous use of pasture’s resources. The effects of grazing and/or congregation management that control phosphorus cycling and distribution have not been sufficiently evaluated. The objectives of this study were: 1) to determine whether cattle congregation sites typical on most Florida ranches, repre-sented by water troughs and shaded areas, are more phosphorus-rich and may contribute more soluble phosphorus to surface water run-off and groundwater than other pasture locations; and 2) to assess the regional distribution of Mehlich-1 extractable soil phosphorus (MP) across congregation-grazing zones of forage-based pastures with cow-calf operations in Florida. Soil samples were collected at increasing distance from congregations structures (water troughs and shades) in established (>10 yr), grazed beef cattle pastures located in three Florida regions. Samples were col-lected in the fall and spring of 2005, 2006, and 2007, respectively; following a radial (every 90 degrees) sampling pat-terns away from the center of the congregation structures. Averaged across years, MP and soil phosphorus saturation in the congregation zones were comparable (p ≤ 0.05) with MP values and soil phosphorus saturation in the grazing zones at all three Florida regions. Average MP at all three pasture locations did not exceed the crop requirement threshold of 50 mg P kg–1 and the water quality protection threshold of 150 mg P kg–1, suggesting that congregation zones in beef cattle pastures at all three regions of Florida are not phosphorus-rich.

Nutrition Knowledge of Rural Older Populations: Can Congregate Meal Site Participants Manage Their Own Diets?

Congregate meal sites were funded to assist socioeconomically disadvantaged, rural older individuals in improving their health-related practices. Although the participants in the program are largely female, the meals are designed to meet one third of the daily caloric intake of a 70-year-old male, and to satisfy his recommended dietary allowances for total fat, fiber, calcium, and sodium. The actual percentage of the required nutrient intake contributed by meals served at congregate sites is indefinite. Moreover, the ability of congregate meal participants to manage their diets and their receptiveness to helpful nutrition information in that regard is unknown. Our objective was to promote nutritional knowledge in economically disadvantaged, rural older participants by studying its impact on their ability to benefit from congregate meal programs. We used a test, intervention, retest methodology to examine the effect of short-term nutrition interventions on congregate meal site participants' nutrition knowledge. The objective was to determine the participants' potential for managing their own diets (e.g., their ability to determine what diet behaviors are appropriate for specific chronic conditions). We found that while congregate meal site participants have knowledge of nutrition recommendations, their ability to apply this information in helping themselves to prevent or control their chronic conditions remains in question.

Nutrition risk among seniors participating in the Elderly Nutrition Program in rural northern California

The objective of this study was to assess nutritional risk among community‐dwelling seniors participating in the Elderly Nutrition Program in rural northern California. A convenience sample of 140 seniors, aged 60 and older (61 receiving Home Delivered Meals (HDM), and 79 participating in the Congregate Site Meal Program (CSMP)), was surveyed. Nutritional risk was assessed using the validated DETERMINE checklist. Interviews were also conducted to gather qualitative data on nutrition concerns identified by service providers and seniors. Thirty‐five percent of CSMP, and 78% of HDM participants were at moderate or high nutritional risk based on the DETERMINE checklist. Seniors 75 years of age or older (66% of sample), widowed seniors, those receiving HDM, and those with self‐reported high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease were at significantly greater nutritional risk. Approximately half of the subjects ate alone, had an illness or condition that altered their dietary intake, and were consuming two or fewer servings of fruits and vegetables daily. In addition, accessible and affordable transportation was identified as a key need based on the survey and interviews. These results, which suggest nutritional risk among this sample, may guide service providers in future program planning aimed at improving the nutritional status of community‐dwelling seniors.

Migration of waterfowl in the East Asian flyway and spatial relationship to HPAI H5N1 outbreaks.

Poyang Lake is situated within the East Asian Flyway, a migratory corridor for waterfowl that also encompasses Guangdong Province, China, the epicenter of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1. The lake is the largest freshwater body in China and a significant congregation site for waterfowl; however, surrounding rice fields and poultry grazing have created an overlap with wild waterbirds, a situation conducive to avian influenza transmission. Reports of HPAI H5N1 in healthy wild ducks at Poyang Lake have raised concerns about the potential of resilient free-ranging birds to disseminate the virus. Yet the role wild ducks play in connecting regions of HPAI H5N1 outbreak in Asia is hindered by a lack of information about their migratory ecology. During 2007-08 we marked wild ducks at Poyang Lake with satellite transmitters to examine the location and timing of spring migration and identify any spatiotemporal relationship with HPAI H5N1 outbreaks. Species included the Eurasian wigeon (Anas penelope), northern pintail (Anas acuta), common teal (Anas crecca), falcated teal (Anas falcata), Baikal teal (Anas formosa), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), garganey (Anas querquedula), and Chinese spotbill (Anas poecilohyncha). These wild ducks (excluding the resident mallard and Chinese spotbill ducks) followed the East Asian Flyway along the coast to breeding areas in northern China, eastern Mongolia, and eastern Russia. None migrated west toward Qinghai Lake (site of the largest wild bird epizootic), thus failing to demonstrate any migratory connection to the Central Asian Flyway. A newly developed Brownian bridge spatial analysis indicated that HPAI H5N1 outbreaks reported in the flyway were related to latitude and poultry density but not to the core migration corridor or to wetland habitats. Also, we found a temporal mismatch between timing of outbreaks and wild duck movements. These analyses depend on complete or representative reporting of outbreaks, but by documenting movements of wild waterfowl, we present ecological knowledge that better informs epidemiological investigations seeking to explain and predict the spread of avian influenza viruses.

Long-term effect of cow congregation zone on soil penetrometer resistance: implications for soils and forage quality

Higher degree of soil penetrometer resistance can reduce forage yields and can lead to water and soil quality degradation due to increased runoff and soil structure destruction. The inability of roots to penetrate in soils with high penetrometer resistance will result in decreased yield. With less root penetration into the soil, root mass is reduced and plant’s ability to take up nutrients is reduced. To test whether cattle congregation sites typical on most forage-based cow-calf ranches, such as mineral feeders, water troughs, and shaded areas are more compacted and have greater soil penetrometer resistance than in other pasture locations under Florida conditions, soil penetrometer resistance data around and beneath three cattle congregation sites in established (>10 yr) grazed beef cattle pastures were collected in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Penetrometer readings were collected from two soil depths (0–20 and 20–40 cm) at different locations around the cattle congregation sites following radial (every 90 degrees: north, south, east, and west direction) sampling patterns at 0.9, 1.7, 3.3, 6.7, 13.3, 26.7 and 53.3 m away from the approximate center of cattle congregation sites. Results showed that area around or near cattle congregation sites tended to have higher soil penetrometer resistance values than in other locations within pasture field because of the frequent concentration of cattle around the different cattle congregation sites. Soil penetrometer resistance decreases linearly with distance away from the center of mineral feeders and water troughs; however, soil penetrometer resistance at the shaded areas was showing slight increase with distance away from the center. The least soil penetrometer resistance in all years were observed from shaded areas (1 200 × 103 Pa) while soil penetrometer resistance at water troughs was about 1 600 × 103 Pa and at mineral feeders of 1 800 × 103 Pa. These values were in the “fair” range of root penetration. Penetrometer resistance of soils can be a good predictor of root system performance and especially useful in predicting root extension into the deeper regions of the root zone at the congregation zone and grazing zone in pasture.

“Partnering with Seniors for Better Health”: computer use and internet health information retrieval among older adults in a low socioeconomic community

This health communication project measured the psychosocial influences of computer anxiety, computer confidence, and computer self-efficacy in older adults at six meal congregate sites. The adults completed a five-week education intervention, based on Bandura's self-efficacy model, designed to assist older adults in retrieving and evaluating health information resources on the Internet. One hundred thirty-seven participants, ages sixty-five and older, were randomized in a controlled, two-group, pre-post, repeated measures design. Participants in the intervention group received a two-hour training session, once a week for five weeks. The Computer Confidence Subscale and Computer Anxiety Subscale of the Computer Attitude Scale and the Computer Self-Efficacy Measure were administered to both groups at three time intervals: at baseline, completion of the five-week intervention, and six weeks after completion of the intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Findings showed a reduction in computer anxiety and increases in computer confidence and computer self-efficacy in retrieving and evaluating online health information (P<0.001). The study suggests an array of possibilities to engage older adults in the use of Internet health information resources to better contribute to their health, independence, safety, and wellness.

Designing and Implementing Ethnic Congregate Nutrition Programs for Older Americans

ABSTRACT Montgomery County in Maryland is one of the most ethnically diverse regions in the United States. Since the 1970s, traditional American and Kosher meals have been offered at congregate sites in this County, but few seniors of varied ethnicity participated. This article describes creative approaches used in the County Senior Nutrition Program within the Older Americans Act from 1990 to 2007 to develop nutrition sites targeted to seniors in Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese communities. The services provided are culturally sensitive, and the meals meet both nutritional and food safety standards. With secure funding, programs can be made available to other ethnic groups.

The Oldest Old: Missed Public Health Opportunities

The fastest growing segment of our population is the “oldest old,” usually defined as those 85 years and older. In 2005, this group numbered more than 5 million persons, or about 1.7% of the US population, a 40% increase since 1990. Because the oldest old carry a greater burden of disease and disability, they account for a substantial proportion of health care spending, with total annual per capita health care costs of $25691. A higher proportion of health care spending in this population is partially attributable to long-term services—most notably, nursing home care. As our population ages, substantial concerns have been expressed regarding the future ability of the health care system to provide needed care. Much of this analysis, however, has failed to consider the potential impact of public health strategies to promote health and reduce disability among the old and very old in our population. There is promising evidence that rates of disability and functional dependence among older persons have been decreasing over the last 2 decades, and continue to fall. In this issue of the Journal, Murabito et al. provide data from the Framingham study to show a significant decline in disability among community-dwelling elders from the 1970s to the 1990s. Unfortunately, there are important missed public health opportunities to improve the health and function of older populations. Vaccination for influenza is provided to less than 75% of older persons, and even fewer (60%) have ever received a pneumococcal vaccine. Promotion of healthy behaviors is also crucial. The Type II Diabetes Prevention Trial demonstrated that older persons were able to follow diet and exercise regimens, and that these behavior changes resulted in significant success in prevention of type II diabetes. However, despite the fact that physical activity is associated with important health outcomes at all ages, physical activity declines with age. Only 1 in 5 persons aged 45–64 years engages in vigorous physical activity, and this drops to about 1 in 20 for those over the age of 75 years. To achieve the potential of improved health among the oldest old, as a society we would do well to work together to (1) change public perceptions regarding the benefits of promoting health among older persons, (2) encourage elders to engage in healthier behaviors, (3) improve the practices of health providers, (4) stimulate health departments and service agencies to provide health promotion services, and (5) include public health and aging in education of public health professionals. Despite the importance of improving health behaviors across the life span to achieve optimal health and function in old age, a recent survey of schools of public health reported that fewer than 6% of students participated in a public health and aging course. Moreover, the majority of schools lack a comprehensive and integrated curriculum that adequately addresses health issues in the aging. We have the opportunity to do better for our older population and for ourselves as we age. My 93-year-old grandmother illustrated this perfectly. As she showed us around her senior housing, she pointed out the congregate meals site that she visited on Tuesdays and Thursdays. When I asked if she enjoyed the meals, she pulled herself up to her full 4 feet, 10 inches to indignantly declare that she did not go to eat, but to “help serve the old people.”

Sustainable Management of Nutrients in Forage-Based Pasture Soils: Effect of Animal Congregation Sites (5 pp)

Background, Aim and Scope Grazing animals have a dominant effect on the movement and utilization of nutrients through the soil and plant system, and thus on the fertility of pasture soils. Grazing can accelerate and alter the timing of nutrient transfers, and increase the amount of nutrients cycled from plant to soil. Long periods, position of shade, and water resources for grazing cattle can influence the spatial distribution of soil biochemical properties including soil organic carbon (C), total extractable inorganic nitrogen (TEIN), and Melich 1 extractable total phosphorus (TP). The objective of this study is to test whether cattle congregation sites typical on most Florida ranches, such as mineral feeders, water troughs, and shade areas are more nutrient-rich and may contribute more nutrients to surface and groundwater supply than in other pasture locations under Florida conditions. Materials and Methods: Baseline soil samples around and beneath three congregations sites in established (>10 yr) grazed beef cattle pastures at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Subtropical Agricultural Research Station (STARS), Brooksville, FL, were collected in 2003, 2004, and 2005. Results: The levels of soil TEIN and TP were significantly (p ≤ 0.001) affected by the interaction of congregation sites and distance away from the center of the sites. Mineral feeders had the highest concentration of TP followed by shades and water troughs. The concentrations of soil TP decreased almost linearly with distance (x = meter) away from the center of the mineral feeders (-5.24x + 55.10; R2 = 0.92; p ≤ 0.001) and the shades (-6.25x + 57.21; R2 = 0.85; p ≤ 0.001). However, the level of TP around the water troughs (-0.25x + 16.91; R2 = 0.09) does not appear to change significantly with distance, staying close to about 13-18 mg kg-1. The levels of TEIN decreased linearly with distance away from the mineral feeders from the center of the shades. A linear model can describe the relationship between TEIN and distance away from the center of shades: -11.3x + 78.2; R2 = 0.95; p ≤ 0.001. The shaded sites (34.25 ± 1.7 mg kg-1) had higher levels than the mineral feeders (7.22 ± 0.60 mg kg-1) or water troughs (10.06 ± 0.8 mg kg-1) sites. Discussion: The higher soil TP near and around the mineral feeders can be attributed to the presence of phosphorus in the supplemental feeds. The average level of soil TP in the mineral feeders of 34.05 ± 0.44 mg kg-1 was not high enough to be of environmental concern. Losses of soil phosphorus by overland flow are becoming a big concern when the concentrations for soil phosphorus exceeded 150 mg kg-1 in the upper 20 cm of soils. With TN, the shaded sites (34.25 ± 1.7 mg kg-1) had either higher levels than the mineral feeders (7.22 ± 0.60 mg kg-1) or water trough (10.06 ± 0.80 mg kg-1) sites. Higher TEIN content at the shade sites may have been more likely due to frequent urination of animals and lack of vegetation immediately adjacent to shades. The lack of vegetation within and/or near the shades then had no uptake mechanism for removal of inorganic nitrogen, unlike the heavy demand for inorganic nitrogen by bahiagrass in other areas of the pasture. An accumulation of TEIN immediately adjacent to shades could lead to a potential point source that would be susceptible to leaching or gaseous losses to the environment. Conclusions: Early results of the study are suggesting that cattle congregation sites in beef cattle operations in Florida are not nutrient-rich, therefore may not contribute more nutrients to surface and groundwater supply under Florida conditions. Recommendations and Perspectives: Since there is no apparent vertical build up or horizontal movement of TEIN and TP in the landscape, we can then surmise that cattle congregation sites may be considered not a potential source of nutrients at the watershed level, at least on the sand ridge soils in Florida. Further research is continuing, including sampling at cattle congregation sites at other locations in north and south Florida, which started in July 2004.

Interactive Learning for Congregate Nutrition Site Nutrition Education

Older adults who participate in the Older Americans Act Title III-C Elderly Nutrition Program often are at moderate to high nutritional risk. Although nutrition education is a component of the Elderly Nutrition Program, there are numerous barriers to promoting behavior change in older adults. Nutrition education programs targeted to congregate nutrition site participants must address their unique nutritional needs, while engaging them in activities that promote learning and motivate them to make positive behavior changes. This paper describes a pilot study of a theory-driven, five-lesson educational module designed to promote healthful eating behaviors among congregate nutrition site participants through interactive learning.

Profiling Rural Southern Congregate Nutrition Site Participants

A high degree of risk of malnutrition exists among low-income older adults, especially those attending congregate nutrition sites. Recognizing this, nutrition education programming is offered on a regular basis; however, levels of malnutrition risk persist at a high rate. The current study focuses on the diversity of this audience and the premise that nutrition education appropriately targeted more specifically to this audience would bring about behavior change and affect risk of malnutrition. Therefore, the current study identified the risk factors for and level of risk of malnutrition in a southern rural congregate nutrition site participant population and determined that subsets of this population are at greater risk of malnutrition than the whole. Socio-demographic characteristics were found to vary with behavioral risk factors for malnutrition. This study should be of particular interest to educators who wish to develop effective nutrition education programming by targeting older adults more specifically.

A randomized controlled trial of the psychosocial impact of providing internet training and access to older adults

The Internet (electronic mail and the World Wide Web) may provide new opportunities for communication that can help older adults avoid social isolation. This randomized controlled trial assessed the psychosocial impact of providing Internet access to older adults over a five-month period. One hundred volunteers from four congregate housing sites and two nursing facilities were randomly assigned to receive Internet training or to a wait list control group. The pre & post measures included the UCLA Loneliness scale, modified CES Depression scale, a measure of locus of control, computer attitudes, number of confidants, and overall quality of life. Participants received nine hours of small group training in six sessions over two weeks. Computers were available for continued use over five months and the trainer was available two hours/week for questions. At the end of the trial, 60% of the intervention group continued to use the Internet on a weekly basis. Although there was a trend toward decreased loneliness and depression in intervention subjects compared to controls, there were no statistically significant changes from baseline to the end of trial between groups. Among Internet users ( n = 29) in the intervention group there were trends toward less loneliness, less depression, more positive attitudes toward computers, and more confidants than among intervention recipients who were not regular users ( n = 19) of this technology. Most elderly participants in this trial learned to use the Internet and the majority continued to use it on a weekly basis. The psychosocial impact of Internet use in this sample suggested trends in a positive direction. Further research is needed to determine more precisely, which older adults, residing in which environmental contexts are more likely than others to benefit from this rapidly expanding information and communication link.

Extending the Reach of Nutrition Education for Older Adults: Feasibility of a Train-the-Trainer Approach in Congregate Nutrition Sites

Low-income older adults are difficult to reach with nutrition education. This study examines the feasibility of a Train-the-Trainer approach using congregate nutrition site (CNS) managers to deliver nutrition education. The study suggests that CNS managers were receptive to the role of trainer, CNS participants were satisfied with this method, and the acceptability of managers as trainers did not vary with participants' levels of risk of malnutrition. Although the sample size (53 participants and 4 managers) and convenience sampling method limit generalizability, the promising results suggest the potential benefits of this method and the need for further study.

TASTE ACUITY IN THE ELDERLY: THE IMPACT OF THRESHOLD, AGE, GENDER, MEDICATION, HEALTH AND DENTAL PROBLEMS

ABSTRACTThis study was designed to assess taste threshold and investigate the effect of age, dental problems, health disorders/diseases and multiple medications on the distortion of taste and to determine if the loss of taste increases with age. One hundred seven elderly from rural congregate feeding sites and senior centers in Northern Alabama volunteered to participate in this study. Water solutions of varying concentrations for sweet, salty, sour, and bitter were prepared to determine recognition thresholds and test the effect of other factors on the ability to taste. A questionnaire was administered to each elderly volunteer to assess overall health. Results indicated that there was no significant age difference for the basic taste sensations, except for sweetness. Gender, dental problems, health disorders, diseases and multiple uses of medications did not significantly affect taste threshold. The basic was a decrease in taste threshold independent of any extraneous factors.

Reinventing The Wheel: New Spokes For Today’s Folks

The number of persons 60 years and older is growing rapidly. The fastest growth is occurring in the group that is 80 years and older. Some directors of nutrition/fitness centers find a constant decrease in the number of participants who come to the congregate sites for their meals. Those centers that have creative programming have been able to attract new seniors and increase the numbers that stay for lunch. A workshop was held to demonstrate four new programs that were being used at some centers in the county. These programs included the following demonstrations: 1. Partnership between the center and three corporations to donate computers to the centers and teach seniors to use the computers. 2. Reminiscing on the topic - Being young 1920s versus 1990s. Seniors recall popular dances and tunes, dating practices and other events. 3. “WEB” TV and developing a “WEB” page. Surf the Internet. 4. Intergenerational project - Our City in the Year 2000. Older adults work with the elementary school children to build this model. Attendees at the workshop were stimulated by the presentations and have started to reproduce some of these programs.

Risk Indicators for Malnutrition are Associated Inversely with Quality of Life for Participants in Meal Programs for Older Adults

Objective To evaluate the nature and strength of associations between quality of life and factors commonly linked with malnutrition in participants in a meal program for the elderly. Design A questionnaire that assessed quality of life, nutritional risk, quality of health, depression, social satisfaction, functional status, food security, and food enjoyment was administered. Subjects/setting All persons aged 60 years and older enrolled in the Title III-C meal program in Pepin County, Wisconsin, during a 1-month period were asked to participate. Of 180 eligible subjects, data were available for 155; 108 received meals at congregate sites and 47 received home-delivered meals. Statistical analyses performed Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the population. Independent-samples t tests and χ 2 analysis were used to test for differences between the congregate-meal group and home-delivered-meal group. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to determine the direction and magnitude of associations between scale variables and quality of life. Results Quality of life and quality of health were positively correlated ( r=.83, P<.0001.) Nutritional risk, food insecurity, decreased enjoyment of food, depression, and impaired functional status were all negatively associated with quality of life. This research offers evidence that there are measurable associations between nutritional factors and quality of life. Applications Our findings could be helpful to dietitians in justifying, planning, and evaluating nutrition programs and interventions. Quality of life in older adults may be further enhanced by programs that include social and psychological components in addition to elements oriented to reduce nutritional risk. J Am Diet Assoc. 1998;98:548-553.

The Assessment of Taste Acuity in the Elderly

LEARNING OUTCOME: To determine the effect of age on recognition taste threshold of persons at congregate feeding sites and senior centers.This study on the effect of age and the loss of taste was undertaken since the loss of taste or taste perversion may determine avoidance of certain foods for some and preference for others, especially the elderly. One hundred and seven elderly males and females, 55 years of age and older, from congregate feeding sites and senior centers in northern Alabama (Madison and Jackson counties) volunteered to participated in this research project. A questionnaire was designed to obtain demographic data and information concerning their dietary pattern and general health. Water solutions of different concentrations for the four basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter) were used to determine taste threshold. Most of the subjects had health problems which were controlled with restricted diets and/or medication. Seventy-seven percent ate two meals a day with snacks and a very light night meal. A decrease in appetite was also indicated by 83 out of 107 participants (78%). Age had a significant (p<0.05) impact on the taste acuity at lower concentrations. However, this was not necessarily due to an increase of age. Most of the older participants (ages 75 and above) could recognize the basic tastes at lower concentrations than the younger participants (ages 55 to 65). The recognition thresholds were higher for all four tastes. Additionally, the recognition of bitter and sour was confusing except at higher concentrations. Overall most of the participants indicated that no taste could be detected, except for the most intense concentration of solution for each taste (30 - 50 percent).

The eating pattern and macro-nutrients intake in elderly people receiving congregate meals at five different sites in Northern Wisconsin

The objectives of this pilot study are to determine the (1) health status, (2) dietary eating pattern, and (3) calorie and macronutrients intakes of free-living elderly in Northern Wisconsin. Nutritionist III was used to analyze the results. 107 subjects participated in this survey study. A 24-hour recall and a food frequency questionnaire were obtained from each subject. The results indicated that 50% of elderly have gastrointestinal problems and 75% have chronic illnesses. Diarrhea and heart problems are on the top of the lists. Less than 40% of the people used vitamin or mineral supplements. 80% of this population eat 3 regular meals. Women tend to eat snacks earlier in the day than men. 67% of this group eat meals at their home, the remainder eat at a congregate meals site. Subjects eat significantly less than the RDA recommendation for calories, carbohydrates, total fat, saturated fat, mono-unsaturated fat (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fat (PUFA). Women's protein intake is significantly (P<0.0004) higher than RDA recommendation. At least 70% of elderly eat 50% or less of PUFA than RDA. Women had significantly (P<0.0001) lower intake of cholesterol than men. Fiber intakes were 12.73 g and 17.53 g for women and men, respectively. Men eat more saturated fat and fewer carbohydrates than women. Based on the results, women eat better than men, but women still do not meet the RDA.

A Comparative Examination of the Characteristics of Participants of a Senior Citizens Nutrition and Activities Program

This paper focuses on the characteristics of the participants of a senior citizens nutrition and activities program in order to examine whether the program effectively promotes good health and well-being. The participants were 306 persons who received their meals at home and 766 who attended the programs at the congregate sites. Using a series of crosstabular analyses, persons from the two meal sites were compared with regard to: (a) background factors, (b) interpersonal relationships and emotional closeness in relationships, (c) health and economic condition, (d) emotional condition, especially loneliness, and (e) activities and nutrition program involvement. The results, though they indicate some basic differences in the persons in the two meal sites, show that the main purposes of the nutritional and activities program are being met.