Longitudinal study on elderly recipients of meals-on-wheels.

Abstract

A second nutrition study was undertaken on sever survivors who had originally participated in a survey in 1970 of 100 people in receipt of meals-on wheels because of nutritional and/or social risk. The original and follow-up studies included a seven-day weighed dietary intake, socio-economic questionnaires and detailed case records. In 1980 these very elderly subjects were maintaining their original energy and nutrient intakes, in spite of deteriorating health and physical capabilities. They had retained an interest in food and continued a similar style of eating. Even when intakes were low, there were no long gaps in the day without food or drink.