The association between the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet and successful aging: An analysis of the ATTICA and MEDIS (MEDiterranean Islands Study) epidemiological studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 89 ◽  
pp. 104044 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Foscolou ◽  
Nathan M. D’Cunha ◽  
Nenad Naumovski ◽  
Stefanos Tyrovolas ◽  
Christina Chrysohoou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Mediterranean Islands ◽  
The Mediterranean

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Successful aging in Greeks living in Greece and abroad: the epidemiological Mediterranean Islands Study (MEDIS)

2022 ◽  
pp. 026010602110723
Author(s):  
Anastasia Papadimitriou ◽  
Alexandra Foscolou ◽  
Catherine Itsiopoulos ◽  
Antonia Thodis ◽  
Antigone Kouris-Blazos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Mediterranean Islands ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Aging Index ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Vegetables And Fruits ◽  
Diet Score

Background: Whether older immigrant populations from the Mediterranean region, continue to follow the MD long after they immigrated is not known. Aim: Compare adherence to the MD and successful aging levels between Greeks living in Greece (GG) and Greeks living abroad (GA). Methods: Anthropometrical, clinical, psychological, sociodemographic, dietary and lifestyle parameters were assessed in a cross-sectional manner in a sample of 252 GG and 252 GA. Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDietScore range 0-55) was used to assess adherence to the MD. Successful aging was evaluated with the validated successful aging index (SAI range 0-10). Results: GA presented higher adherence to MD (p < 0.001); they were consuming significantly more cereals, legumes, vegetables, and fruits compared to GG. GG consumed significantly more dairy (3.8 ± 2.9 vs. 1.9 ± 2.2, p < 0.001) and potatoes (2.4 ± 1.6 vs. 1.9 ± 1.5, p < 0.001) compared to GA. Meat ( p = 0.27), poultry ( p = 0.72), fish ( p = 0.68), olive oil ( p = 0.16) and alcohol consumption ( p = 0.05) were comparable between the two groups (all p’s > 0.05). MedDietScore was positively associated with SAI among both groups after adjusting for possible confounders (0.041 ± 0.014, p = 0.003 GG and 0.153 ± 0.035, p < 0.001 GA). Also, legumes, cereals, fruits and vegetables were found to be beneficial for successful aging. Conclusion: Adherence to the MD is associated with higher levels of successful aging among people of the same genetic background living in different environments. However, traditional dietary habits are gradually abandoned in their native countries, when, at the same time, are considered cultural heritage and preserved accordingly among immigrants.

scholarly journals The Association between Green and Black Tea Consumption on Successful Aging: A Combined Analysis of the ATTICA and MEDiterranean ISlands (MEDIS) Epidemiological Studies

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 1862 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nenad Naumovski ◽  
Alexandra Foscolou ◽  
Nathan M. D’Cunha ◽  
Stefanos Tyrovolas ◽  
Christina Chrysohoou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Green Tea ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Coffee Consumption ◽  
Black Tea ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Tea Consumption ◽  
Successful Ageing ◽  
Mediterranean Islands ◽  
Combined Analysis ◽  
Green And Black Tea

Tea is one of the most-widely consumed beverages in the world with a number of different beneficial health effects, mainly ascribed to the polyphenolic content of the tea catechins. The aim of this study was to examine the consumption of green, black, or no tea, in relation to the previously validated successful ageing index (SAI; higher values “healthier” ageing) in a combined analysis of adults aged >50 years old from the ATTICA (n = 1128 adults from Athens, Greece metropolitan area) and the MEDiterranean Islands Study (MEDIS) (n = 2221 adults from various Greek island and Mani) studies. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking, and coffee consumption, green tea was positively associated with SAI (b ± SE: 0.225 ± 0.055, p < 0.001), while black tea was negatively associated with SAI (unstandardized b coefficient ± Standard error: −0.807 ± 0.054, p < 0.001). Green tea (vs black tea) consumption, had higher odds of a SAI of over 3.58 out of 10 (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.38–2.28). Green tea consumption was also associated with higher levels of physical activity (p < 0.001) and reduced likelihood of hypertension (p = 0.006) compared with black tea. Two possible mechanisms are that green tea possesses high levels of catechins such as (−)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate and l-theanine compared with black tea. Therefore, the present analysis supports both the role of green tea constituents in successful ageing, as well as its role as an important component of an overall healthy diet in adults aged 50 years and over from these two epidemiological studies.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with lower prevalence of obesity among elderly people living in Mediterranean islands: the MEDIS study

2009 ◽  
Vol 60 (sup6) ◽  
pp. 137-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanos Tyrovolas ◽  
Vassiliki Bountziouka ◽  
Natassa Papairakleous ◽  
Akis Zeimbekis ◽  
Foteini Anastassiou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elderly People ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Lower Prevalence ◽  
Mediterranean Islands ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
The Mediterranean

scholarly journals Comparative study on successful aging between the elderly inhabitants of Mani and those living on the Mediterranean islands: The MEDIS study

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. e61-e62
Author(s):  
Alexandra Foscolou ◽  
Demosthenes Panagiotakos ◽  
Anargiros Mariolis ◽  
Stefanos Tyrovolas ◽  
Nikos Tsakountakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Mediterranean Islands ◽  
The Mediterranean

scholarly journals Potential benefits of adherence to the Mediterranean diet on cognitive health

2012 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 140-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Féart ◽  
Cecilia Samieri ◽  
Benjamin Allès ◽  
Pascale Barberger-Gateau
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
Dietary Strategy ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Residual Confounding

The purpose of this review was to update available knowledge on the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) and cognitive decline, risk of dementia or Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and to analyse the reasons for some inconsistent results across studies. The traditional MeDi has been recognised by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This dietary pattern is characterised by a high consumption of plant foods (i.e. vegetables, fruits, legumes and cereals), a high intake of olive oil as the main source of fat, a moderate intake of fish, low-to-moderate intake of dairy products and low consumption of meat and poultry, with wine consumed in low-to-moderate amounts during meals. Beyond the well-known association between higher adherence to the MeDi and lower risk of mortality, in particular from CVD and cancer, new data from large epidemiological studies suggest a relationship between MeDi adherence and cognitive decline or risk of dementia. However, some inconsistent results have been found as well, even in Mediterranean countries. In this review, we analyse the reasons likely to explain these discrepancies, and propose that most of these differences are due to variations in the methodology used to assess MeDi adherence. We also discuss the possibility of residual confounding by lifestyle, that is, greater adherents to the MeDi also have a healthier lifestyle in general, which can favourably affect cognition. In conclusion, large-scale studies in various populations with common methodology are required before considering the MeDi as an optimal dietary strategy to prevent cognitive decline or dementia.

scholarly journals Lessons from Studies in Middle-Aged and Older Adults Living in Mediterranean Islands: The Role of Dietary Habits and Nutrition Services

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanos Tyrovolas ◽  
Evangelos Polychronopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cvd Risk Factors ◽  
Mediterranean Islands ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Mediterranean Basin

Background. Islands in the Mediterranean basin share particular habits and traditions and greater life expectancy than other European regions. In this paper, particular interest has been given to the effect of the Mediterranean diet, as well as nutritional services on CVD risk, on Mediterranean islands.Methods. Published results from observational studies were retrieved from electronic databases (Pubmed and Scopus) and summarized.Results. Prevalence of CVD risk factors is increased. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was moderate, even among the elderly participants. Furthermore, the presence of a dietician was associated with higher adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern and consequently lowers CVD risk.Conclusion. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is reduced, while the prevalence of CVD risk factors is increasing at alarming rates. Public health nutrition policy has the opportunity to improve the health and quality of life of people living in isolated insular areas of the Mediterranean basin.

scholarly journals Socio-economic status, place of residence and dietary habits among the elderly: the Mediterranean islands study

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1614-1621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexia Katsarou ◽  
Stefanos Tyrovolas ◽  
Theodora Psaltopoulou ◽  
Akis Zeimbekis ◽  
Nikos Tsakountakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Mediterranean Islands ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Financial Status ◽  
Socio Economic Status ◽  
The Mediterranean

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether the socio-economic status (SES) of elderly eastern Mediterranean islanders is associated with their dietary habits, particularly with adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet.DesignCross-sectional.SettingAdherence to the Mediterranean diet was measured by the MedDietScore (range: 0–55), whereas SES was estimated using education and financial status.SubjectsDuring 2005–2007, 300 men and women from Cyprus, 100 from Samothraki, 142 from Mitilini, 114 from Kefalonia, 131 from Crete, 150 from Lemnos, 150 from Corfu and 103 from Zakynthos (aged 65–100 years), free of known chronic diseases, participated in the survey.ResultsMultiple linear regression analysis revealed that belonging to the highest SES was associated with a higher MedDietScore (P< 0·01), after adjusting for potential sociodemographic, lifestyle, dietary and clinical confounders. A significant positive association was also found between MedDietScore and years of school (P= 0·004), as well as financial status (P= 0·001).ConclusionsOlder Greek people of higher SES seem to follow a relatively healthier diet. Both education and income seem to play a role in this issue. Thus, public health policy makers should focus on people with low SES in order to improve their quality of diet and, consequently, their health status.

scholarly journals The Effect of Exclusive Olive Oil Consumption on Successful Aging: A Combined Analysis of the ATTICA and MEDIS Epidemiological Studies

Foods ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Foscolou ◽  
Elena Critselis ◽  
Stefanos Tyrovolas ◽  
Christina Chrysohoou ◽  
Labros Sidossis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Olive Oil ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Dietary Fats ◽  
Health Prevention ◽  
Oil Consumption ◽  
Mediterranean Islands ◽  
Dietary Practices ◽  
Aging Index

The consumption of dietary fats, which occur naturally in various foods, poses important impacts on health. The aim of this study was to elucidate the association of exclusive use of olive oil for culinary purposes with successful aging in adults aged >50 years old and residing in Greece. Use of olive oil in food preparation and bio-clinical characteristics of the Greek participants enrolled in the ATTICA (n = 1128 adults from Athens metropolitan area) and the MEDiterranean Islands Study (MEDIS) (n = 2221 adults from various Greek islands and Mani) studies, were investigated in relation to successful aging (SA). Participants were divided into the following three categories: (a) no olive oil consumption; (b) combined consumption of olive oil and other dietary fats; and (c) exclusive olive oil consumption. The SA was measured using the previously validated successful aging index (SAI). After adjusting for age, sex, and smoking habits, combined consumption of olive oil and other fats (vs. no olive oil use) was not significantly associated with SAI levels (p = 0.114). However, exclusive olive oil intake (vs. no use of olive oil) was significantly associated with SAI (p = 0.001), particularly among those aged older than 70 years. Therefore, the exclusive consumption of olive oil, as opposed to either combined or no olive oil consumption, beneficially impacts successful aging, particularly among individuals over 70 years of age. Primary public health prevention strategies should seek to encourage the enhanced adoption of such dietary practices in order to promote healthy aging and longevity.

Level of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Among Elderly Individuals Living in Mediterranean Islands: Nutritional Report from the Medis Study

2009 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanos Tyrovolas ◽  
Evangelos Polychronopoulos ◽  
Vassiliki Bountziouka ◽  
Akis Zeimbekis ◽  
Ioanna Tsiligiani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Mediterranean Islands ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
The Mediterranean

scholarly journals The use of indexes evaluating the adherence to the Mediterranean diet in epidemiological studies: a review

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (1a) ◽  
pp. 132-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Bach ◽  
Lluís Serra-Majem ◽  
Josep L Carrasco ◽  
Blanca Roman ◽  
Joy Ngo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Global Evaluation ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Reference Pattern ◽  
Diet Pattern ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Quantitative Definition

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to review some of the methods that several epidemiological studies use to evaluate the adherence of a population to the Mediterranean diet pattern. Among these methods, diet indexes attempt to make a global evaluation of the quality of the diet based on a traditional Mediterranean reference pattern, described as a priori, general and qualitative. The Mediterranean diet indexes, hence, summarise the diet by means of a single score that results from a function of different components, such as food, food groups or a combination of foods and nutrients. The reviewed evaluation methods can be classified into three categories depending on the way they are calculated: (1) those based on a positive or negative scoring of the components, (2) those that add or substract standardised components, and (3) those that are based on a ratio between components.Dietary scores have been used to explore the multiple associations between the Mediterranean diet, as an integral entity, and health parameters such as life expectancy or the incidence of obesity, cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancers. Moreover, these indexes are also useful tools to measure food consumption trends and to identify the involved factors, as well as to develop comprehensive public health nutrition recommendations.A more precise and quantitative definition of the Mediterranean diet is required if the adherence to such a dietary pattern is intended to be more accurately measured. Other aspects of the Mediterranean diet indexes should also be taken into account, like the inclusion of typical Mediterranean foods such as nuts and fish and the validation of the dietary pattern approach by using biomarkers.

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