How access, isolation and other factors may influence food consumption and nutrient intake in materially deprived older men in the UK

The proportion of older people in the UK population is rising, and those aged 65 years and over are particularly at risk of malnutrition. This is caused by factors such as underlying disease, poor oral health, decreased mobility, limited transport to local shops, social isolation and poverty. Older men, particularly those who live alone, may be even more at risk of an inadequate diet. This paper presents findings from a subset of the Low Income Diet and Nutrition Survey, a national survey of materially deprived individuals aged 2 years and over in the UK. The influence of social, physical and other factors on foods consumed and nutrient intake in 234 men (unweighted sample) aged 65 years and over who either lived alone or with other(s) of retirement age is investigated. Mean energy intakes fell below the estimated average requirement (84%), while mean intakes of several mcronutrients fell below the reference nutrient intake (vitamin D 35%, magnesium 77%, potassium 75%, and zinc 88%). Men living in households where the person mainly responsible for shopping and preparing food had poorer cooking skills had a lower consumption of vegetables, wholemeal bread and fish and fish dishes, and lower intakes of energy and selected nutrients. Men who experienced difficulty in chewing consumed less fruit, vegetables, wholemeal bread and meat and meat dishes, and had lower intakes of protein and selected nutrients. Interventions need to focus on improving cooking skills, especially in men who live or eat alone, and on increasing the consumption of fruit and vegetables in those with poor oral health, especially those who have difficulty chewing.