Open AccessDecreasing COVID-19 Risk Factors for Older Adults by Using Digital Technology to Implement a Plant-Based-Diet: An Opinion
Author(s) -
Heidi Lynn Benavides,
Christiane Meireles,
Viola Benavente,
Mary Helen Mays,
Jing Wang
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
jmir aging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2561-7605
DOI - 10.2196/25327
Subject(s) - outreach , covid-19 , obesity , environmental health , affect (linguistics) , consumption (sociology) , medicine , gerontology , population , intervention (counseling) , demography , psychology , disease , social science , communication , psychiatry , sociology , political science , infectious disease (medical specialty) , law , virology , outbreak
A disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases affect older, minority populations. Obese older adults are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 complications and lower survival rates; minority older adults often experience higher rates of obesity. A plant-based diet intervention may improve COVID-19 obesity modifiable risk factors. Encouraging the consumption plant-based diets consisting of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts utilizing community outreach strategies and digital technology can contribute to improving COVID-19 risk factors.