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This study was conducted to abbess dietary intake and eating habits of low-income persons aged 60 years or elder. 212 persons were surveyed between July 10 and August 17, 1978 ; 105 from the farming village of Yang-ju, Kyunggi province; and 107 from Karakdong, an area of redevlopment in the suburbs of Seoul. Results were as follows : 1 ) Family environment 84% of elderly persons surveyed, lived with their children; 13.2%, together as a couple; and 1.9%, widowed, lived alone. More than half on the households had an average monthly income of \50,000 to \30,000. The average Engel index was 61.2%. As for pocket money, 56.4% of male subjects had \l,000 to \7,000 per month, whereas 74% of female had less than \1,000. 2) Anthropometric measurements 59.9% of subjects were of standard weight, 93% had an arm circumference only of the standard. 3) Food and nutrient intake Carbohydrate provided 73.4 to 79.4% of total energy intake, whereas protein and fat accounted for 10.4 to 10.5% and 8.3 to 7.8%, respectively. Those over 65 years of age showed a somewhat greater dependence on carbohydrates for energy, than those under 65. Protein intake was only of the recommended allowance. and the proportion of animal protein to total protein was only far below the recommended allowance. Thus the protein nutrition of the subjects was proven to be inadequate qualitatively as well as quantitatively. Intake of energy and of all nutrients except vitamin A and ascorbic acid, were lower than recommended. 4) Correlational assessment The correlation coefficient between poor dental health, clinical sign score, appetite index, dietary balance and nutrient intake, was significant (0<0.01). Poor teeth, illness, and poor appetite were always associated with inadequate intake of energy and nutrients. The results of this survey reveal that many of elderly of the rural and urban poor show evidence of general malnutrition, The authours hope that this study will provide a back. ground and indicate the direction that community health and welfare programs may take to assure proper nutrition for the elderly.
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