Age retirement in women. II. Dietary habits and body composition.

Abstract

Within the framework of a longitudinal study of municipally employed women in Malmö, Sweden, before and after retirement, comprising health, social, psychological, nutritional and odontological aspects, the dietary habits and body composition were evaluated. 116 women aged 62, 63 and 64 were included. A detailed dietary interview was performed by a nutritionist, anthropometric measurements were made, and body compartments were calculated after retirement with a new electrical impedance method. Average dietary intakes were relatively high, but variation was marked. Intake of energy and almost all nutrients showed a clear decreasing tendency from before to after retirement, despite an increase in body weight and waist measurement, indicating decreasing physical activity after retirement in these women. There was also an increasing consumption of pastry, potato chips and similar food items. One third of the women was below the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) regarding calcium and almost all women below the RDA regarding vitamin D. There are reasons to believe that the event of retirement in women might imply some dietary hazards.