ABSTRACT
First published in 2000. The growing elderly population suffers from a disproportionately large incidence of chronic and acute illnesses, as well as mental and physical disabilities. Supportive relationships can also impact positively on health and quality of life during the later years, in addition, social support is believed to exert a beneficial effect on food intake , thereby further increasing the overall influence of social support on health. However, little is known about the types and attributes of social relationships that influence food patterns. The objective of this study is to explore, in depth, specific aspects of social relationships and their association with dietary quality.
