Fruit and vegetable consumption in an elderly population.

摘要

Although a national nutrition education programme aimed at increasing fruit and vegetable consumption (5-A-Day for Better Health) has been ongoing since 1991, it has not targeted the elderly to date. This article presents results from a survey doneto assess knowledge about and current consumption level of fruit and vegetables via a 7-item food frequency questionnaire administered to senior centre participants [USA; date not given]. Results showed mean intake of 4.5 servings daily with no associations for gender, age or education. Only half of the seniors were aware of the 5-A-Day programme. Barriers to meeting fruit and vegetable recommendations included cost, time, availability and taste.