Low-income elderly adults' needs and preferences for nutrition education.

摘要

Four focus groups were conducted with low-income elderly adults (28 females and 7 males), aged 55+ years, to understand their needs and preferences for nutrition education. Adults were Congregate Meal Programme participants in Virginia. Discussion questions addressed food purchasing and preparation, importance of food to health, and education methods. Discussions were audio-taped and written transcripts were made for use in data analysis. The influence of health conditions on food choices was the predominant theme of the discussions; adults made choices according to dietary restrictions. Food preferences and sensory characteristics were also important. Some experienced food insecurity. Most wanted to receive information on disease-specific food choices through group discussions and written materials.