Abstract

1. This study was conducted in order to observe change in fruit and vegetable intake in older adults with food insecurity that access congregate meal sites. The study included a total of 29 individuals who filled out a food frequency questionnaire regarding their fruit and vegetable intake. The questionnaires were given one month apart so the second set of questionnaires would reflect any changes after education on the importance of fruits and vegetables was given. The first set of questionnaires had 19 respondents who filled out the survey; the second set of questionnaires had 10 respondents that filled out the survey. The study found that older adults reported consuming more fruits and vegetables more frequently except for fried potatoes, French fries, and soup after education was given. The study found that the older adults surveyed one month after education was given were consuming less fried potatoes, French fries and soup compared to the first set of older adult respondents before education was given. The study concluded that education on the importance of fruits and vegetables given to older adults with food insecurity can improve fruit and vegetable intake and provide vital nutrients for older adults during the aging process, which may improve health and quality of life. Abstract Objectives A total of 29 food frequency questionnaires were collected for this study. • Of the 29 food frequency questionnaires, 19 were filled out by adults over the age of 65 before they had received nutrition education. • The remaining 10 food frequency questionnaires were filled out by adults over the age of 65 one month after receiving nutrition education. • The food frequency questionnaire can be found in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows the results for the number of responses for each question before education. Figure 3 shows the results for the number of responses for each question one month after education was given. Question 1- most people reported drinking a glass of 100% fruit juice 3-4 times per week. After the education- most people given the questionnaire reported drinking 100% fruit juice more than once per day. Most people reported eating 1 cup of fruit 3-4 time per week both before and after the education. Most people reported eating 1 cup of salad 3-4 times per week before and after the education. After the education less people reported having French fries or fried potatoes once per week, and most people chose never as their answer. For questions 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7, no one chose never as their response for intake of fruits and vegetables on the questionnaire one month after the education. Before Education: One Month After Education: Results Food insecurity in older adults can be dangerous because of their vulnerable health during the aging process. Many older adults are patrons of food assistance programs to help provide additional meals or food to improve nutrition. Even with the assistance of congregate meal sites, food pantries and meal delivery services older adults may not be receiving adequate nutrition to prevent or treat nutrient deficiencies or other nutrition related health problems. Hypothesis- whether providing education to older adults who receive meals at congregate meals sites on the importance of fruits and vegetables would change their fruit and vegetable intake. Findings- older adults were consuming fruits and vegetables on a more regular basis and more frequently after receiving education on the benefits and importance of fruits and vegetables. Major trends- increased consumption of 100% fruit juice, fruit, salad, vegetables and vegetables mixed in with meals. There was less frequent consumption reported for French fries, fried potatoes and soup. • This is not entirely a negative outcome because fried foods like French fries are not typically considered the best way of preparing food. Soup is also usually high in sodium, which can contribute to heart problems and dehydration. Again less soup may be considered a positive outcome for the older adult population. Limitations- The first group of questionnaires were given to a larger group of older adults of 19 individuals, the second round of questionnaires were given to a much smaller group of older adults of 10 individuals. It should also be noted the education that was given to the group of older adults who filled out the first set of questionnaires may not have been given to each individual that responded to the second set of questionnaires. This study is based on self-reported intake of fruits and vegetables which may be biased by the individual reporting it. The questionnaire also contained portion sizes to help the respondent count their serving sizes of fruits and vegetables, which relied on the older adults to be aware of what correct portion sizes are. This study also does not take into consideration exact food items the respondent’s ate/drank. Some of the fruit juice they may have been thinking of may not have been 100% fruit juice, which may have impacted the results. Discussion Conclusions Food insecurity in older adults can impact nutrition, health, and quality of life. It should be considered a high priority to reverse or prevent food insecurity in older adults to prolong healthy years of life and reduce healthcare costs. By providing free nutrition education to older adults regarding the importance of fruits and vegetables, older adults can become more knowledgeable on their nutrient intake and make healthy choices to improve or maintain their health and prolong their healthy years of life. Registered Dietitians have the knowledge base and resources necessary to provide education on fruits and vegetables to older adults who have experienced or currently experience food insecurity. References 1. Bhargava V, Lee JS, Johnson MA, Brown A. Food insecurity is negatively associated with home health and out-of-pocket expenditures in older adults. J Nutr. 2012;142:1888-1895. 2. Kim K, Frongillo EA. Patterns of food insecurity and participation in food assistance programmes over time in the elderly. Am J Public Health. 2009;12:2113-2119. 3. Lee JS, Frongillo EA. Factors associated with food insecurity among U.S. elderly persons: importance of functional impairments. J Gerontol Soc Sci. 2001;56B:S94-S99. 4. Kim K, Frongillo EA. Patterns of food insecurity and participation in food assistance programmes over time in the elderly. Am J Public Health. 2009;12:2113-2119. 5. Kim K, Frongillo EA. Participation in food assistance programs modifies the relation of food insecurity with weight and depression in elders. J Nutr. 2007;137:1005-1010. 6. Mesa County, Colorado. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved from http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/08/08077.html. Published June 2013. Accessed November 13, 2013. 7. Frongillo EA, & Wolfe WS. Impact of participation in home-delivered meals on nutrient intake, dietary patterns, and food insecurity of older persons in New York State. Journal of Nutrition for the Elderly, 2010;29:293-310. 8. Hess MA, Hunt. Review of Dietetics: Manual for the Registered Dietitian Exam 2012-2013 Edition. Chicago, IL: Hess & Hunt, Inc; 2011. 9. National Institutes of Health Eating at America’s Table Study Quick Food Scan. National Institute of Health. http://appliedresearch.cancer.gov/diet/screeners/fruitveg/allday.pdf. Accessed January 10, 2014. Acknowledgements and Contact Information Thank you to Amy DeMage, my internship director for her support and guidance throughout the research project. Thank you to Katherine Kilbourne, my site liaison for getting me on the right track for this project. Contact the Author: Onksen-carli@aramark.com Identify the current estimated intake of fruits and vegetables in food insecure older adults in Mesa County, CO and to educate them on the importance of fruit and vegetable intake with the intent of increasing their fruit and vegetable consumption. Can the use of nutrition education and materials regarding fruit and vegetable intake influence the fruit and vegetable consumption of older adults who access food assistance programs in Mesa County, CO? By: Carli Onksen Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Older Adult Accessing Congregate Meal Sites