Over 60s revealed as having the most unhealthy diet

People over 60 have been revealed as having the most unhealthy diets as a result of their children having left home, a study has found.

Despite eating a healthy, balanced diet for years when caring for their children, older people are now reported to be consuming snacks and ready meals instead of healthy, home cooked meals.

In the study conducted by Seven Seas, sixty per cent of those surveyed admitting to skipping breakfast at least once a week, while nearly eighty per cent said there was one day a week where they didn’t eat lunch.

Speaking about the research, consultant dietitian for Seven Seas, Helen Bond, said: “Sadly, this research doesn’t surprise me. For years we worry about the meals we serve up for our children, and setting them a good example. 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.

“The over 60s need to make sure they are eating a healthy balanced diet, skipping meals can mean missing out on essential nutrients including vitamin D and omega-3s. 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.

“It’s these nutrients that help to replenish our natural resources as we age and may help to protect us from various health issues.”

Seven Seas surveyed 2,000 over 60s and 43 per cent revealed that their diet wasn’t always very healthy with 12 per cent of those saying their diet was worse than in the past.

Of those surveyed, 62 per cent admitted skipping a full meal in favour of having a piece of toast, packet of crisps or just a cup of tea or coffee.

Nearly 10 per cent of those polled revealed they never sit down to enjoy a home-cooked meal and a further one in twenty said they only made the effort to cook when they had visitors.

Forty-eight per cent revealed the most common reason for eating a less healthy diet, was because they no longer needed to worry about what their children eat after they had left home. Other reasons included living alone and not feeling as hungry as they used to.

Ms Bond continued: “Worryingly, a large number of over 60s are 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.”

The survey further revealed one in ten of those surveyed admitted to regularly over-eating and one in twenty said they often under-eat. Of those who participated in the study, it was revealed that the average person over 60 skips two breakfasts, two lunches and one evening meal every week, with 31 per cent of people surveyed stating it was easier to have a snack instead.

Not feeling hungry in the morning was the most common reason for not having breakfast, along with being happy with a cup of tea or coffee.

One quarter of over 60s surveyed said they were too busy to make something substantial to eat, while one in ten said living alone made it difficult for them to cook for themselves.

The study further revealed more than 50 per cent of over 60s ignored advice to take cod liver oil supplements, with 49 per cent revealing they take no supplements to support their health at all.