The nutritional status of a defined group of 49 older men and women living in a non-profit life care retirement center was assessed by means of analysis of dietary intake from food records, anthropometry and biochemical indices. The individuals ranged in age from 70 through 91 years, were generally healthy, had attended college, engaged in professional careers and were of upper socioeconomic status. The mean energy and nutrient intakes were calculated from food composition tables and compared to the 1980 Recommended Dietary Allowances. Dietary, anthropometric and biochemical characteristics of these "advantaged" elderly persons were compared with the nutritional status of free living persons of low and middle socioeconomic status as reported in the literature. The "advantaged" elderly individuals generally had higher nutrient and energy intakes, less subcutaneous fat, lower serum cholesterol and higher serum ascorbic acid values. The apparently better nutrition status of the "advantaged" subjects could be attributed to their good health and appetities, regular physical activity, positive outlook on life, high degree of social interaction and educational attainment, and an income level high enough to permit them to reside in a center which provided total medical care, individual apartments and dining, social and sport facilities.