The aim of this study was to depict the prevalence of different meal patterns of the elderly in Finland and to analyse the role of socio-demographic factors, functional capacity and help received as the determinants of following a conventional meal pattern. A nationally representative sample of elderly people aged 65 years and over and living at home (n=1697) in 2000-2001 was obtained. A structured (personal) interview was used for data collection. Regular hot meals are common among the elderly. Functional disability affecting the carrying out of food-related activities does not have an independent effect on the regularity of meals. The conventional meal pattern, which consists of breakfast, a hot lunch and a hot dinner, is more seldom followed by the elderly who have a low socio-economic status than by those whose educational level and monthly income are higher. The help received in carrying out food-related activities contributes to the ability to maintain a conventional meal pattern. In order to allow elderly people to live independently at home for as long as possible, special attention should be paid to the problems regarding meals in the lower socio-economic groups.