Food’s a ‘fuss’ for older men

A New Zealand study shows older men face a greater risk of malnourishment because of limited knowledge, skills and finances.

Many older men are at risk of becoming undernourished and suffering health problems due to poor nutrition, according to a New Zealand study

In an investigation into the eating habits of older, single men, food, health and nutrition researcher Jennifer Bowden from Massey University, found they are often bewildered by food labelling, dietary information and the sheer variety of food in large supermarkets.

Other barriers to healthy eating habits identified in the study were poor nutritional knowledge and limited cooking skills, and insufficient finances.

“In some cases the men were limiting their healthy food intake because they had limited income – this is a known nutrition risk,” said Ms Bowden.

Families played a vital role in providing practical and emotional support by inviting older men for meals, providing transport to get to shops and helping them prepare meals in their own homes.

And social clubs – such as bowls and bridge – also provided opportunities for shared, convivial meals. Being forced to eat alone was a major disincentive for the men in bothering to cook for themselves.

“They just see it as a lot of fuss for nothing,” she says.

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