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Jul 28, 2009
Links between nutrition and psychosocial health in seniors
Researchers have observed that seniors are at risk for poor nutrition because of the social, economic, physiological, and psychological changes of aging.1 Isolation in particular is a common problem among the elderly, and it can have many repercussions for physical and mental health.
In a 2005 convenience sample study, C. S. Jacob Johnson, PhD, PDT, of Acadia University’s School of Nutrition & Dietetics in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, explored the psychosocial aspects of nutritional risk in 54 people over age 65 (range 65 to 98, average 81) . Jacob Johnson used several assessment measures: a background questionnaire, the Mini Nutritional Assessment, the Life Satisfaction Index Form Z, the Geriatric Depression Scale, and Lubben’s Social Network Scale. Seniors at risk for malnutrition had lower levels of social support and life satisfaction, and higher levels of depression (p=0.04). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that depression and social support were significant correlates of nutritional risk (p=0.01).2
Similarly, a larger long-term study of older men showed that good nutrition was linked with better health and life satisfaction. In this Canadian study by Christina O. Lengyel and colleagues, 1,211 community-dwelling men completed questionnaires. Those who ate vegetables and fruit every day were four times more likely to have better self-rated health and three times more likely to have greater life satisfaction than were men who rarely ate fruit and vegetables.3
These studies make clear the complex and related factors involved in ensuring good emotional, social, and physical health in the elderly. A combination of good nutrition and social support appears crucial to well-being. The challenge remains finding ways to ensure that these needs are met for all seniors.
Participate in the discussion about Nutrition in Larimer County.
References
1. Roberts KC, Wolfson C, Payette H. Predictors of nutritional risk in community-dwelling seniors. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2007;98(4):331-6.
2. Jacob Johnson CS. Psychosocial correlates of nutritional risk in older adults. Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research 2005;66(2):95-7.
3. Lengyel CO, Tate RB, Obirek Blatz AK. The relationships between food group consumption, self-rated health, and life satisfaction of community-dwelling Canadian older men: the Manitoba Follow-up Study. Journal of Nutrition for the Elderly 2009;28(2):158-73.
Transportation planning should allow seniors to remain socially engaged
According to recent research, a lack of mobility and the resultant social isolation have important repercussions for the elderly, such as depression, loneliness, and low morale.1 Many seniors—in particular those who no longer drive because they do not wish to or because they have health reasons that prevent driving—feel isolated and cut off from social functions and medical and other services.2 Inadequate public transportation is one of the major reasons for this isolation. Dangerous flights of stairs in subway stations, uneven or poorly maintained sidewalks, and dangers crossing the street are just a few challenges that must be addressed so that seniors can get around their communities safely and easily.1
Unfortunately, in a national online poll of 378 U.S. metropolitan planning agencies, the New England University Transportation Center and the MIT AgeLab found that more than 50% felt the current transportation systems in their communities were inadequate; only 11% had an infrastructure in place to ensure that the growing elderly population has the transportation services it needs.2 the problem is especially acute in rural areas, small towns, and suburbs that do not have reliable public transportation. In fact, fewer than 50% of American adults live near such transportation.2—and certainly many seniors believe that public transportation is an important issue for them. In a recent survey of seniors by the Foundation on Aging for Larimer County, the top two transportation concerns were public transportation (37% of respondents) and cost of transportation services (37%).
Regardless of the approach adopted, involving the elderly in policy-making and the planning process is vital to the growth of barrier-free transportation systems.1
Participate in the discussion about Transportation in Larimer County.
References
1. Meyer PE. Transport policy options for an aging population. IEEE-USA Today’s Engineer Online; 2008 May [cited 2009 Jul 27]. Available from: http://www.todaysengineer.org/2008/May/transport.asp
2. Palmquist M. Old without wheels. Miller-McCune: Turning Research Into Solutions; 2008 Jul 14 [cited 2009 Jul 27]. Available from: http://www.miller-mccune.com/culture_society/old-without-wheels-484
3. Tetsuo A, Daisuke S, Naoto F, Mayumi T. Transportation policy and planning for elderly & disabled. Comprehensive Urban Studies 2005;85:5-16.
