Korean J Community Nutr.  2005 Jun;10(3):303-310.

Comparison of Nutrient Intake and Meal Service Satisfaction of Elderly at the Local Community Centers:Free and Reduced Meal Service Charge

• Choi BS
• Kwon SY
• Seo JY
• Lee IS
• Lee HJ

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the nutrient intake and foodservice satisfaction of homebound elderly had lunch at the local community centers by the difference of meal service charge. Two local community center with congregate meal service program located in Daegu and Gyongsan were selected; one with free of meal service charge (F), and the other with 500-1,000 won for meal service charge (K). According to the dietary assessment, energy and nutrient intakes of the 156 elderly subjects were as a whole under the Korean Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Elderly of F service center showed higher % RDA for the selected nutrients and MAR (mean adequacy ratio) than those of K service center (p<0.001). Participants were satisfied with most of the congregation meal service from community center with different reasons such as 'tasty (K service center)' and 'free of charge (F service center)'. In conclusion, elderly had the lunch at the community center with free of meal service charge was poor nutrition status and lower socioeconomic level than the other type of community center in this area. Therefore, healthy menu for elderly should be developed and managed by professional dietitian, as well as its impact on health status of this group, and congregate meal service system might be extended to the homebound elderly of whole community with free of charge.

Keyword

free of charge; reduced charge; congregate meal service; homebound elderly; foodservice satisfaction; healthy menu

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Daegu
Humans
Lunch
Meals*
Nutritional Status
Nutritionists
Recommended Dietary Allowances