Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics最新文献

Upon entering long-term care (LTC) homes, residents relinquish control over their daily life choices, which may influence life satisfaction. This study explored hypothesized relationships among the concepts of person-centered care, locus of control (LOC), and life satisfaction of LTC residents. Survey data were collected and analyzed from 154 residents of 16 skilled nursing facilities in the Midwest. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling to examine relationships among person-centered care, life satisfaction, food-related life satisfaction, health LOC and food-related control. Results indicated food-related life satisfaction was influenced by perceived person-centered care and life satisfaction. Health LOC and person-centered care affected life satisfaction. Support for the use of person-centered care practices was demonstrated in LTC. The results suggest that older adults in LTC should be encouraged to participate in food-related decision-making to support life satisfaction.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the nation's largest safety net program helping older adults achieve food security. However, 3 out of 5 qualified older adults do not participate in SNAP. We explored why older adults in Missouri do not seek SNAP benefits and to understand changes needed to enhance SNAP participation. We conducted focus group discussions and interviews with national and regional key informants, older adult SNAP participants and SNAP-eligible nonparticipants, and food bank outreach staff. Discussions and interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim to explore common themes. Older adults, key informants and outreach staff reported challenges faced when applying for and using SNAP, including feelings of shame. Older adults commented that benefit amounts don't increase proportionally to increasing food costs. Other barriers included difficulties applying due to challenges using or lack of access to technology and gathering the necessary information to apply. Although food insecurity and poor nutrition are serious problems among older adults, several challenges keep seniors from taking advantage of SNAP. Findings suggest that streamlining the application process and establishing the Elderly Simplified Application could help enhance SNAP participation. Education and increased outreach efforts could also help improve awareness about SNAP among older adults.

Background: Metabolic syndrome poses a significant public health challenge globally, particularly among older adults. Dietary patterns play a crucial role in the development and management of metabolic syndrome. However, to our knowledge, no evidence exists regarding the association between dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome among the Mexican older adult population. Thus, the objective of the present study is to assess the association between dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome in Mexican older adults.

Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2016 to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome in 804 OA (aged ≥60 years). Dietary patterns were derived using factor analysis, and metabolic syndrome was defined based on established criteria. Logistic regression models were employed to assess associations, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results: Three dietary patterns were identified: a "Westernized" pattern characterized by high consumption of processed meat, red meat, and saturated fats; a "Transitional" pattern high in fresh vegetables and fruits; and a "Prudent" pattern high in fish and low-fat dairy products. The "Westernized" pattern exhibited a positive association with metabolic syndrome, while the "Prudent" pattern showed a negative association. The associations remained significant after adjusting for confounders. Biological mechanisms linking the "Westernized" pattern to metabolic syndrome include chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and dyslipidemia induced by components such as processed meats and soft drinks.

Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of dietary patterns in influencing metabolic syndrome risk among Mexican older adults. Promoting dietary patterns rich in fish, vegetables, and legumes while reducing consumption of processed meats and sugary beverages may offer significant health benefits in this population. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and inform targeted interventions for metabolic syndrome prevention and management in older adults.

Malnutrition is observed in approximately 20-50% of hospitals and long-term care facilities. We examined the effects of malted rice amazake beverage on the nutritional status and gut microbiome of older patients and residents in an integrated long-term care facility; 13 older patients and residents (84.6 ± 9.3 years) were prescribed 35 g of malted rice amazake daily for six weeks. Gut microbiome analysis, body composition and blood biochemistry test results, defecation surveys, dietary intake, and medications were recorded before and after the intervention. After the intervention, the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) increased from 83.6 ± 9.1 points to 86.0 ± 9.8 points, and serum albumin increased from 3.3 ± 0.5 g/dL to 3.4 ± 0.5 g/dL. The α-diversity of gut bacteria increased from 390.1 ± 89.4 before to 447.2 ± 108.1, and the abundance of Desulfovibrio decreased from 0.76 ± 0.47% to 0.56 ± 0.60%. ΔGNRI showed a positive correlation with ΔBifidobacterium and ΔBarnesiella, but a negative correlation with ΔKlebsiella. Consumption of malted rice amazake for six weeks improved the GNRI and altered the gut microbiome of older patients and residents at moderate risk of nutritional disorders. Malted rice amazake may be a new way to improve nutrition because it has a high nutritional value, mainly in terms of carbohydrates, and improves the gut microbiome.

The purpose of the current study is to examine the association between hydration status and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults, drawing from a large, nationally representative sample in the United States and using a comprehensive set of executive function performance measures. We utilized data from the Health and Retirement Study to conduct twelve, three-stage hierarchical regressions on hydration status and executive function performance of older adults. Cognitive performance scores on the Trail Making A, Symbol Digit Modalities, and Letter Cancellation tests significantly differed by hydration status, and these outcomes follow a curvilinear pattern, such that performance scores are lower for those who are hyper-hydrated or dehydrated relative to those who are euhydrated or near-dehydration. Our study's findings are consistent with prior studies examining the impact of serum osmolarity on cognitive performance. Specifically, a curvilinear pattern was associated with speed of processing tests of executive function. Overall, hydration status is associated with curvilinear patterns of performance on executive function measures, specifically Trail Making A, Symbol Digit Modalities, and Letter Cancellation Tests.

Our aim was to capture the perspectives of emergency food system (EFS) partners, providers, and rural older adults who receive emergency foods on their experiences throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews with partners in Minnesota's EFS (n = 9), rural emergency food providers (n = 5), and rural older adults who receive emergency food (n = 14) between July 2022 and February 2023. We used template analysis, a rapid qualitative method, to identify recurring perspectives across interviews. The pandemic required shifts in how providers delivered services, but their established networks, their adaptability, and substantial support enabled them to make necessary pivots. Challenges include increasing use with decreasing support, labor capacity, and the need for quality foods. Concerns about inflation-driven food insecurity and increasing reliance on the EFS were common in the context of sunsetting pandemic-related programs. Our results support that the substantial support provided throughout the pandemic enabled the EFS to continue providing services and meeting the needs of underserved populations, such as rural older adults. Policymakers should reinstate or extend the pandemic-era strategies that supported household food security and enabled the EFS to continue providing services.

Older adults in the United States continue to be impacted by food insecurity. Diabetes is on the rise in older adults and insulin therapy is often recommended as treatment. However, less is known about the relationship between food insecurity and insulin adherence among older adults. The current study utilized secondary data analysis methods to examine the 2021 National Health Interview Survey to explore the relationship between food insecurity and insulin adherence among adults aged 55 and older who are living with diabetes. Results of multivariable logistic regression suggest that participants experiencing food insecurity were more likely to take less insulin than needed and delay buying insulin in the past 12 months compared to participants who were food secure. Homeownership was inversely associated with taking less insulin than needed. Higher income-to-poverty ratio was also inversely associated with skipping insulin doses, taking less insulin than needed, and delaying the purchase of insulin. Our results showed that other racialized/ethnic groups (i.e., American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian, biracial, and multiracial persons) compared to White were less likely to skip an insulin dose and take less insulin than needed. Suggesting food insecurity should be considered when insulin therapy is recommended for older adults with diabetes.

Congregate Nutrition Services have long been a pillar of public health assistance, championing the independence and community engagement of older Americans. The advent of COVID-19, however, restricted access to these services due to the closure of physical locations. In response, Lanakila Meals on Wheels initiated a virtual congregate meal program, Kūpuna U, in collaboration with community partners in Honolulu County. The program combined grab-and-go or home-delivered meals with virtual and in-person classes to improve both nutrition and socialization for older adults. This study aimed to capture participant feedback to assess and enhance the Kūpuna U program, developing it as a flexible and scalable congregate meal solution applicable nationwide. Five focus group discussions were conducted with program participants (n = 34). The majority of participants were female (74%), Asian (73%), and living alone (56%). Participants found the program beneficial, enhancing their nutrition, social engagement, and learning experiences on various topics tailored for older adults. Supportive staff played a crucial role in motivating participants to stay engaged. Participants also identified potential enhancements to the program, including more activities and courses, expanded hours, additional in-person options at various locations, and culturally tailored meals.

Motoric eating difficulties affecting the ability to eat according to established norms may result in loss of autonomy, reduced food intake and decreased social interaction. Finger food meals may affect the ability to eat independently and were therefore compared to regular meals for older adults >65 years with major motoric eating difficulties. In this pilot study the screening instrument MEOF-II, including additional questions about use of cutlery and fingers, was used to collect data regarding autonomy, food intake and social interaction through observations. Five women and one man participated in the study. Results showed that finger food meals facilitated autonomous eating since the participants were able to eat independently without relying on help from others. Less energy was spent on eating, which allowed for social interaction. However, finger food meals entail unfamiliar norms and culinary rules which may hinder eating; this is an important factor to consider in the implementation of such meals. Further studies on finger foods for older adults may consider larger and diverse cohorts, including healthy older adults, those with motoric difficulties and those with early stages of cognitive decline. Also, a wider variety of finger foods for specific cultural preferences and situations may be considered.

The underweight status among older adults in India and its association with other health risks has received little attention. Using nationally representative data from the first wave of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI, 2017-18), this study examined the underweight status among the Indian older adults and investigated its relationship with various health outcomes. The effective sample size of this study was 28,050 older adults aged 60 years or above. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were employed to meet the objectives of the study. Underweight status was found to be negatively associated functional health, cognitive function, and grip strength. However, no significant association was observed between underweight status and depressive symptoms. Moreover, socioeconomic, demographic, and geographic factors were identified as strong determinants of underweight status among Indian older adults. India has implemented a wide range of nutrition policies that primarily focus on children, mothers, and adolescents. While these policies are important, it is equally crucial to develop interventions specifically tailored for adults and older adults.