Elderly give up healthy diets when kids move out
The research, carried out by vitamin, mineral and supplement firm Seven Seas, also found the average person over 60 skips two breakfasts, two lunches and one evening meal each week.
In the study of 2,000 over 60s, 43% admitted their diet was not always that healthy, with 12% saying it was worse now than in the past.
No longer worrying about what their children ate was among the top reasons for letting diets slip along with health issues, not feeling as hungry as they used to and living alone, Seven Seas’ consultant dietitian Helen Bond claimed.
‘Struggle with healthy diets’
“For years we worry about the meals we serve up for our children, and setting them a good example,” she said. “But when the children have left, it seems there are many who struggle to keep their healthy diets going after their offspring have flown the nest.”
Over 60s that skipped meals risked missing out on essential nutrients including vitamin D and omega-3s, Bond said.
“Both of which are vital for maintaining good health. For this age group it may well be worthwhile to supplement their diet with something which is full of simple goodness such as cod liver oil.
Other survey facts
- 1 in 10 regularly over-eat
- More than 1 in 20 under-eat
- 31% snack instead of lunch for ease
- 48% don’t eat a healthy diet because their kids have left home
- 1 in 10 said they are too tired to spend lots of time cooking
- 51% don’t take cod liver oil
- 49% don’t take vitamin supplements
“It’s these nutrients that help to replenish our natural resources as we age and may help to protect us from various health issues.”
Six in 10 admitted to skipping breakfast at least once a week while almost eight in 10 did not eat lunch at least once a week.
Ditched a main meal for snacks
Of those who took the poll, 62% regularly ditched a full meal in favour of a piece of toast, packet of crisps or even just a cup of tea or coffee.
And almost one in 10 never sit down to a home-cooked meal, while one in 20 only made an effort to cook when they have visitors.
Bond said it was worrying that a large number of over 60s were skipping meals altogether, with breakfast – the most important meal of the day – the most common meal to drop.
“You don’t always need to have a large home-cooked meal, but it’s important to make sure you get three balanced and varied meals a day to help keep you fit and healthy and living well into old age,” she added.
