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Identification of environmental supports for healthy eating in older adults
Author(s) -
Sylvie Amanda,
Cohen Nancy L
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.628.3
Subject(s) - brainstorming , environmental health , gerontology , healthy eating , healthy food , quality of life (healthcare) , identification (biology) , session (web analytics) , medicine , psychology , business , marketing , nursing , physical activity , physical therapy , chemistry , botany , food science , advertising , biology
The nutritional status of older adults (OA) correlates to their quality of life, ability to live independently, and risk for developing costly chronic illnesses. An OA's nutritional wellbeing can be impacted by multiple socio‐environmental factors including access to healthy and affordable foods, congregate meal sites, and nutritious selections at restaurants. Research related to improving the nutritional status of OA through environmental changes is limited. The objective of this study was to identify priority areas within a community's environment to enable healthier food choices in OA. Twelve experts in aging and nutrition participated in an online brainstorming session (as two panels of six experts). Transcripts were analyzed to determine primary factors that enable healthy eating in OA, and behavioral settings that are changeable and would impact OA nutrition. Major enablers identified were accessibility, affordability, social support, and living accommodations. The panels identified critical behavioral settings as food stores, restaurants, religious settings, congregate nutrition sites, senior housing, and health care settings. The enablers and behavioral settings will be prioritized based on their contributions to the goal of improving OA nutrition using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Priority ratings and implications for community public health planning will be discussed. Grant Funding Source : USDA/NIFA NE 1039