This study was carried out to determine the depression symptoms and nutritional status of elderly females that ate congregate meals at lunch in rural Pocheon. The subjects were 18 elderly females aged over 65 (75.7±4.6 years) and information on smoking, subjective health status, depression symptoms and malnutrition risk were collected using a questionnaire administered with the help of trained research assistants. Measurements included mid-arm circumference and calf circumference. Food consumption for 3 days during breakfast and supper were determined by 24-hour recall and food consumption at lunch was determined as the difference between the amounts served and the plate waste. All data were compared between two age groups (≤ 75 and > 75). The subjects had the lowest nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) for vitamin B6 (0.523), followed by calcium and niacin and the lowest index of nutrient quality (INQ) for calcium (0.738). The older elderly had significantly lower NAR for vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6 and niacin as well as significantly lower mean adequacy ratio (MAR) compared to the young elderly. They also had significantly lower INQ for vitamin B1 and vitamin C and significantly thinner arm circumference (28.3 cm vs. 31.3 cm). They consumed more than 40% of their daily intake for each nutrient at lunch. Higher proportions of nutrient intake from lunch provided evidence of the importance of congregate meals, suggesting that the government and society should support congregate meals to improve nutritional status.

• 이수정(대진대학교 식품영양학과) | Sujung Lee
• 류현숙(대진대학교 간호학과) | Hyunsuk Ryu
• 송경희(명지대학교 식품영양학과) | Kyunghee Song
• 이홍미(대진대학교 식품영양학과) | Hongmie Lee Corresponding Author