Aim. Appropriate nutrition plays a very important role, not only due to proper metabolism, but also possible interactions that can occur on a line medication-food, especially important for people 65+, taking drugs very often. However, there is an important question – how to convince older persons to benefit from dietary counseling and change their nutritional habits. The aim of the study was to assess the propensity of people 65+ to use services of a dietitian. Material and methods. The study included 81 elderly people, living in rural areas and cities, with different education and financial situation. Customized questionnaire of 19 questions was used as a research tool. Results. The very low level of nutrition awareness is visible. People aged 65+ are convinced that their diet is correct. As a consequence, they do not feel the need to use dietary advice. Conclusions. Dietitians (as well as doctors) have a new, difficult task – how to convince the elderly to take advantage of the dietitian’s help and then change their nutritional habits.

Key words: elderly people, awareness of nutrition, dietary counseling, nutrition.