Nutritional habits and lifestyle practice of elderly people in Hungary

The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional habits and lifestyle practice of elderly people living in their own home. Altogether 213 subjects (men over 65 years, women over 60 years), were recruited randomly from a primary care office in Budapest. Nearly 60% of people had three meals per day, but the number of meals increased during ageing. The most substantial meal was the lunch. Meals were prepared at home by 90% of the elderly. Lard for cooking was used by 44% of subjects. Additional use of salt was never mentioned by 18% of seniors only. Milk, dairy products, fish, fruits, fresh vegetables and vegetable dish were consumed far below the recommendations. All types of meat were radically decreased, especially beef compared to former Hungarian surveys and the data of the Hungarian Central Statistical Office. Almost one-third of the elderly took some kind of vitamins and/or mineral supplements. The average time spent with outdoor activity was only 12 h per week. In relation to non-infectious diseases connected with nutrition, the irregular consumption of food has to be underlined. The insufficient consumption of milk and dairy products may have an unfavourable effect on the bone status. Deficient consumption of fruits, vegetables and cereals may play a role in the development of cardiovascular diseases and certain types of tumours. The exaggerated salt intake has to be taken into account mainly in hypertension. The inadequate physical activity may be also responsible for decreased longevity of our population.