Which Aspects of Dining Style are Associated with Depressive Mood? A Study at an Assisted Living Facility in Japan

Abstract Previous research indicated that dining style is associated with depressive mood in community-dwelling older adults; however, the nature of this relationship in care facilities is unclear. The association between dining style and depressive mood was examined in Japanese assisted living facility. A questionnaire survey was conducted among residents older than 65 years. Dining style was assessed by objective (the number of people with whom one eats) and subjective (feelings of enjoyment during mealtimes) factors. The odds ratio of participants who ate alone but enjoyed meals having depressive mood were not statistically different from the reference group (eating with others and enjoying). In contrast, participants who ate with others and did not enjoy meals, and participants who ate alone and did not enjoy meals were more likely to have depressive mood compared to the reference group. Although a cross-sectional study, findings suggested that caregivers should consider residents’ subjective dining styles to provide optimal support at mealtimes.