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Education and lifestyle predict change in dietary patterns and diet quality of adults 55 years and over

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journal contribution
posted on 2024-06-18, 17:52 authored by MG Thorpe, Catherine MilteCatherine Milte, David CrawfordDavid Crawford, Sarah McNaughtonSarah McNaughton
Abstract Background Diet is a key risk factor for chronic disease, and an increasing concern among older adults. We aim to examine the changes in dietary patterns using principal component analysis and a diet quality index among older adults and examine the predictors of dietary change over a 4 year period. Methods Data was obtained via a postal survey in a prospective cohort, the Wellbeing Eating and Exercise for a Long Life (WELL) study. Australian adults aged 55 years and over (n = 1005 men and n = 1106 women) completed a food frequency at three time points and provided self-reported personal characteristics. Principal component analysis was used to assess dietary patterns and diet quality was assessed using the 2013 Revised Dietary Guideline Index. The relationships between predictors and change in dietary patterns were assessed by multiple linear regression. Results Two dietary patterns were consistently identified in men and women at three time points over 4 years. One was characterised by vegetables, fruit and white meat, and the other was characterised by red and processed meat and processed foods. Reduced consumption of key food groups within the principal component analysis-determined dietary patterns was observed. An increase in diet quality over 4 years was observed in men only. Reported higher education levels and favourable lifestyle characteristics, including not smoking and physical activity, at baseline predicted an increase in healthier dietary patterns over 4 years. Conclusions There was stability in the main dietary patterns identified over time, however participants reported an overall decrease in the frequency of consumption of key food groups. Compliance with the Australian Dietary Guidelines remained poor and therefore targeting this population in nutritional initiatives is important. Design of nutrition promotion for older adults need to consider those with lower socioeconomic status, as having a lower level of education was a predictor of poorer dietary patterns. It is important to consider how nutrition behaviours can be targeted alongside other lifestyle behaviours, such as smoking and inadequate physical activity to improve health.

History

Journal

Nutrition Journal

Volume

18

Article number

ARTN 67

Pagination

1 - 13

Location

England

Open access

  • Yes

ISSN

1475-2891

eISSN

1475-2891

Language

English

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2019, The Author(s)

Issue

1

Publisher

BMC