Nutritional differences between elderly men and women: primary care evaluation in Hungary

Background: Many differences exist between the two genders, i.e., biological, sociological, and also behavioral, which often depend on age. Objectives: The aim of this study was to find characteristic differences between nutritional habits of elderly men and women. Methods: 266 elderly people (109 men >65 years, and 157 women >60 years) were consecutively selected from primary care patients, in Budapest, Hungary. A self-managed questionnaire was filled in on lifestyle and eating habits, including a food frequency questionnaire. Medical check-up, registration of anthropometrical parameters, and laboratory tests were also performed. 53 subjects were also involved in a 3-day dietary recall. Results: The meal frequency was increased during aging in both genders, especially in men. Lunch was preferred by most of the women as a principal meal, but one quarter of the men had a filling dinner instead of lunch. Alcoholic beverages were consumed more and frequently by men. The fluid intake was low, especially in women. Milk and diary products, fresh fruit, bread, biscuits, chocolate, coffee and vitamin supplements were consumed more frequently by women. Almost all types of meat, eggs, and vegetables were more preferred by men and their energy intake was also higher (9.75 vs. 8.78 MJ). In both genders, fat represented a higher ratio (39%) of energy intake than recommended. The increase of body weight from youth to elderly was greater in women (14.04 vs. 10.65 kg). Prices had a higher impact on food purchases by women. Conclusion: High energy intake over decades led to overweight in both genders (BMI >27 kg/m(2)). It seemed that the eating habits and food choices of women were closer to healthy ones and recent recommendations, although due to metabolic reasons and to the lower energy expenditure, they gained more weight. The elderly are the target population on every level of medical care. Further evaluations are needed to determine the differences in nutrition and to promote better administration of drugs and to establish public health suggestions.