Patterns of fruit and vegetable consumption and the influence of sex, age and socio-demographic factors among Canadian elderly.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to: 1) describe the patterns of fruit and vegetable (f&v) intake in Canadian elderly and 2) identify socio-demographic factors that were associated with the low consumption.

METHODS

Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey cycle 2.1 (2003), Public Use File, were used. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 11.5 for Windows. Total f&v intake of Canadian elderly (65 years and older) was cross-tabulated between four age groups, by gender, level of household education, total household income, ethnicity, marital status, and geographical locations.

RESULTS

Our data revealed that 47% of Canadian elderly sample consume f&v equal to or greater than five times daily. A strong positive association was found between f&v consumption and total household income and highest household education. Gender and marital status were other important contributing factors for f&v intake among elderly. Ethnicity did not influence f&v intake. Younger males reported to consume less f&v than older males did, but consumption of f&v was comparable among all four age groups of females. Elderly living in the Maritime Provinces and the Yukon/Northwest Territories/Nunavut had a lower level of f&v consumption, as compared to elderly living in other provinces.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that >50% of Canadian elderly do not consume f&v five or more times per day. Gender and several socio-demographic factors significantly influence f&v intake in Canadian elderly. Further studies warrant identifying at risk elderly groups and implementing programs to encourage adequate f&v intake by Canadian elderly.