Assessment of food accessibility, availability and adherence to dietary recommendations among diabetic older adults living in subsidized retirement homes

The availability and accessibility of healthy foods for type 2 diabetes patients may limit their food choices and adherence to dietary recommendations. The accessibility and availability of food for low-income, diabetic, older adults was evaluated. Information was gathered regarding self-care activities, perceived dietary adherence, food accessibility and availability, food security, and 24 hour dietary recall.;Macronutrient intake distribution was appropriate but total calories were low. Fibre and calcium were below and saturated fat and sodium were above the recommendations. Overall diet quality was poor. One-third of participants were classified as food insecure, severe but food insecurity did not affect actual intakes.;These results demonstrated that older adults had poor diet quality. Physical accessibility and availability were not barriers to proper food intake but lack of knowledge and financial accessibility may have affected intakes. Nutrition education may improve the ability of diabetic older adults to adhere to recommended diets.