Dietary Status of the Elderly from the Low Socioeconomic Group on the Suburbs of Jeonju - Focussed on Integration of Family Planning -

The purpose of this study was to assess dietary intake and food habits of low-income person aged 60 years or eldary. The hundred fifty persons from the suburbs of Jeonju were surveyed between August 1 to 20,1979. Results were as follows: Family environment Approximately 90% of elderly persons surved, lived with their children and grand-children: 5.2% together as a couple; and 4.4%, widowed, lived alone. Nearly 40% of the households has a average monthly incomes of W40,000 to W100,000. Average food expediture accounted for 50 to 70% of total monthly income, thus indicating that the subject families belonged to the lowest socioeconomic level. As pocket money, 74.5% of male subjects had more than W5,100 per month. whereas, 51.4% of female had less than W5,000. Anthropometric measurements: 97.6% of subjects has heights greater than 90% of the Korean standard for their age group, whereas 45.2% of the subjects were 60 to 89% of standard weight. 88% had an arm circumferences only 60 to 89% of the standard. Nutrient intake: Intake of the majority of nutrients was below the recommended allowances, especially for energy, protein, calcium and iron. The energy input ratio of carbohydrate: protein: fat was 73.1-80.9. 13.3-15.8: 4.5-11.5, showing very heavy dependence on carbohydrates for energy needs. The contribution of animal protein was 24.3% of total protein intake, indicating an improper protein diet. Other factors influenced on the nutrient intake: Poor teeth, illness, and poor appetite were always associated with inadequate intake of energy and nutrients. The larger the family size, the lesser intake of nutrients was observed among those elderly.