Younger vs. older adults

Taste buds, a person's needs for certain vitamins and other nutrients, and their desire for different types of food can change throughout a person's life. 50 young adults and 48 elderly adults participated in a study by the Monell Chemical Senses Center.^[4] "Young" subjects ranged from 18 to 35 years of age, and "elderly" subjects were defined as 65 years of age or older. There were more females than males in the study, but there were approximately equal proportions of males and females in the two age groups.

The study observed that younger females had stronger cravings for sweets than elderly females. Possible causes considered for this difference were the younger female test subjects' menstrual cycles and the fact that elderly women no longer go through menopause. The study also postulated that "... Ninety-one percent (91%) of the cycle-associated cravings were said to occur in the second half of the cycle (between ovulation and the start of menstruation)".^[4]

These physical changes can be considered when assessing why an older person might not be getting the nutrition they need. As taste buds change with age, certain foods might not be seen as appetizing. For example, a study done by Dr. Phyllis B. Grzegorczyk concluded that as people age, their sense for tasting salty foods slowly goes away.^[5]

Male vs. female

There are differences in food preferences between the sexes. In a study conducted by the ENP, preferences of male and female subjects were identified in the following 13 individual food groups: fresh fruit, chicken, soup, salad, vegetables, potatoes, meat, sandwiches, pasta, canned fruit, legumes, deli meats, and ethnic groups.

Through this study, it was apparent that older males were "significantly more likely to prefer deli meats, meat, legumes, canned fruit, and ethnic foods compared to females".^[2]

Another study by the Monell Chemical Senses Center concluded that females had significantly more cravings for sweets and for chocolate than males; and the study results suggested that males had more cravings or preferences for entrées than sweets.^[4]

Personal Health

Lifestyle choices

Elderly people, like all people, have different lifestyle choices involved in their eating habits. Dietary choices are often a result of personal beliefs and preferences.^[8]

A survey based on self-reporting found that many rural elderly Iowans adopted eating habits that provided inadequate levels of some key nutrients, and most did not take supplements to correct the deficiencies.^[16] In contrast, a restaurant study found that the impact of a lifestyle of health and sustainability on healthy food choices is much stronger for senior diners than for non-senior diners.^[17]

Other research has found that adults, regardless of age, will tend to increase fruit and vegetable consumption following a diagnosis of breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer.^[8]

Social environment and conditioning

The environment can greatly impact the food preferences of older adults. Those around 75 years old and older are more likely to suffer from limited mobility due to health conditions,^[18] and often rely on others for food shopping and preparation.^[19]

In some areas, homebound seniors receive one meal per day (several fresh and frozen meals may be included in a single delivery) from communities^{[clarification needed]} that offer congregate^{[clarification needed]} meals, or meals served in community settings such as senior centers, churches, or senior housing communities.^[20] These congregate meal programs are encouraged^{[by whom?]} to offer these elderly people a meal at least five times per week.

Impeded access to transportation may also be an issue for elderly persons, especially in rural areas where there is less public transportation. This can vary greatly with geographic location; for instance, an Iowa-based study failed to find problems in purchasing food among the elderly in rural open country and towns, as those without their own transportation relied on family, friends, and senior services.^[19] A separate study found a slight difference in urban areas with^{[clarification needed]} elderly who did not own a car.^[21] Aside from transportation, the kind and quality of available food can also shape food choices if a person lives in a so-called "food desert".

Social network type can also affect individuals' food choices in our elderly population. For example, one study showed that someone with a larger social network and lower economic status is more likely to have proper nutrition than someone who has a smaller social network and higher economic status.^[22] Health and social aid can be instrumental in introducing positive change for those at risk.