Factors affecting nutritional adequacy among single elderly women

Data from the 1994-96 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals and theDiet and Health Knowledge Survey were used to assess the relative importance of factors associated with the quality of the diet of single women age 65 and older. Findings indicated that higher levels of nutritional adequacy were associated with Midwest residence, daily intake of a multivitamin/multimineral, higher levels of income, and the presence of circulatory disease. Lower levels of nutritional adequacy were associated with employment, receipt of food stamps, and rural residence. Results confirm the importance of providing healthful meal options to single elderly females who may be faced with fewer financial resources, reduced mobility, or higher costs associated with obtaining food.