scholarly journals EXPLORING CENTENARIANS’ PERCEPTION OF NUTRITION

Author(s):  
E.C. Holston ◽  
B. Callen

Background/Objective: Centenarians’ dietary habits have been associated with healthy aging, although it is centenarians’ perceptions about their diet that influence what they eat and in what amounts. However, there is little research on centenarians’ viewpoints about their past and current eating patterns and their impact on centenarians’ current nutritional status. Thus, this study explored the perceptions about lifetime dietary habits of community-dwelling Appalachian centenarians. Design: A qualitative descriptive design. Setting: Home or the facility where participants lived. Participants: A convenience sample of community-dwelling centenarians. Measurements: Face-to-face interviews were used. Transcripts were analyzed with the Nuendorf’s method of content analysis. Results: Emerging themes were source of food, food preferences, food consumption, balanced diet, food preparation & storage, responsibility for nutrition of family, and longevity. Conclusion: Centenarians’ perceptions about their dietary behaviors need to be considered when adjusting their diets and eating patterns for clinical purposes.

2017 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ezra C. Holston ◽  
Bonnie Callen

Background Research on centenarians to date has focused on areas with a high population of centenarians. However, there is limited literature on centenarians’ perspectives about growing up on farms from the heartland of Appalachia in Eastern Tennessee. Purpose This qualitative descriptive study was designed to characterize the role of a farming childhood by exploring the viewpoints of community-dwelling centenarians who grew up on farms in south central Appalachia. Methods A qualitative descriptive design was used with a convenience sample ( n = 16). Cognitive status was determined with the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. Demographic data were collected. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed with the Neuendorf method of content analysis. Results Main emerging themes were the farm, the family, and the environment. Conclusion The farm was at the center of these centenarians’ childhood, influencing their family, community relations, and social interactions, which provided lessons that they utilized throughout their long lives.


2019 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Ezra C. Holston ◽  
Bonnie Callen

Abstract Centenarians worldwide are growing rapidly and thriving as they age. This growth reflects their desire to thrive beyond personal and societal obstacles, a hallmark sign of resilience. However, little research exists on centenarians’ perspectives about their lived experiences that reflect resilience. Therefore, the purpose of this secondary analysis was to capture the perspectives of Appalachian centenarians about (a) living through their childhood and early adulthood in an area known for poverty and isolation, and (b) exploring the resilient nature that emerged from their narratives. With a qualitative descriptive design, 21 community-dwelling Appalachian centenarians participated in face-to-face interviews. They resided in either their homes or assisted-living facilities. Transcripts were analysed with Neuendorf's method of content analysis. Within three themes, 11 sub-themes were identified: (a) working hard for the family, (b) loss of a loved one, (c) gender and race discrimination, (d) impact of isolation on health, (e) living a simple life, (f) using family/community support, (g) consuming and appreciating food from their farms, (h) spirituality, (i) generosity of spirit, (j) living a clean life, and (k) happy, good and loving life. Collectively, these themes and sub-themes reflected how the centenarians overcame and grew from challenges and adversities to become resilient. Consequently, these findings show that understanding resilience from centenarians’ perspectives can significantly contribute to the potential for longevity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-56
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Murayama ◽  
Atsuko Taguchi ◽  
Michael S. Spencer ◽  
Takuhiro Yamaguchi

Background. Community health workers (CHWs), often called “health promotion volunteers” in Japan, are individuals who act as a natural helping resource in the community. Aim. This study tested the efficacy of a CHW-based intervention to improve dietary habits among community-dwelling older people in Japan, using a controlled, crossover design. Method. Seventy-eight people aged 65 to 74 years with poor dietary variety living in four administrative districts in Hikone City (Shiga Prefecture, Japan) were nonrandomly allocated to an immediate-intervened group (IIG; n = 41) or a delayed-intervened group (DIG; n = 37). Participants joined a biweekly, four-session program (120 minutes/session), comprising “CHW drama-style lectures,” “group discussion among participants and CHWs,” “tasting of dishes,” and “take-home practical activities.” For the initial 2-month period, the IIG received the intervention and the DIG did not. The groups were crossed over for the subsequent 2-month period. The primary outcome measure was participants’ dietary variety score (score range: 0-10). Results. The dietary variety score in the IIG significantly increased in the initial 2-month period compared with the DIG (effect size 1.60 points; 95% confidence interval: 0.75, 2.45). The intervention had a similar effect in the DIG in the subsequent 2-month period. Moreover, an analysis within the IIG showed that the intervention effects persisted for at least 2 months after the intervention. Conclusions. The CHW-based intervention improved dietary habits among older people. Our findings provide evidence that a CHW-based natural helping approach is a possible solution to promote healthy aging in the community.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 329
Author(s):  
I Ching Ho ◽  
Lynn Chenoweth ◽  
Anna Williams

(1) Background: Ageing is associated with a decline in sensory function (sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell), which play an important role in the maintenance of an older person’s health, independence and well-being. (2) Methods: This qualitative study obtained data through face-to-face semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of thirteen community-dwelling adults 65 years and older. Themes were derived inductively, guided by semi-structured interviews. (3) Results: Twelve participants had two or more sensory impairments, mainly concurrent hearing and vision, which became apparent when a situation/individual alerted them to change/s occurring. They were less aware of impaired smell, taste and touch. Sensory changes impacted on important life functions, prompting many participants to take measured risks in maintaining their independence. Half (seven) of the participants lacked motivation to manage sensory function through goal-directed behaviour, taking remedial actions only when this was relevant to lifestyle preferences. (4) Conclusions: Internal and/or external triggers of sensory changes did not generally motivate remedial action. Health professionals can help to improve older people’s attention to sensory impairment by routinely discussing sensory function with them, screening for sensory changes and facilitating early intervention and support.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S139-S139
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Murayama ◽  
Atsuko Taguchi ◽  
Takuhiro Yamaguchi

Abstract Background: Community health workers (CHWs), often called “health promotion volunteers” in Japan, are individuals who act as a natural helping resource in the community. This study tested the effectiveness of a CHW-based intervention in improving dietary habits among community-dwelling older people in Japan, using a controlled, cross-over design. Methods: Seventy-eight people aged 65–74 years with poor dietary variety living in four districts in Hikone City (Shiga Prefecture, Japan) were allocated to an immediate-intervened group (IIG; n = 41) or a delayed-intervened group (DIG; n = 37). Participants joined a bi-weekly, four-session program (120 minutes/session), comprising “CHWs’ drama-style lectures,” “group discussion among participants and CHWs,” “tasting of dishes,” and “take-home practical activities.” For the initial 2-month period, the IIG received the intervention and the DIG did not. The groups were crossed over for the subsequent 2-month period. The primary outcome measure was the participants’ dietary variety scale score. Results: The dietary variety scale score in the IIG significantly increased in the initial 2-month period compared with the DIG (effect size 1.60 points; 95% confidence interval 0.75, 2.45). The intervention had a similar effect in the DIG in the subsequent 2-month period. Moreover, an analysis within the IIG showed that the intervention effects persisted for at least 2 months after the intervention. Conclusions: The CHW-based intervention improved dietary habits among older people. Our findings provide evidence that a CHW-based natural helping approach is a possible solution to promote healthy aging in the community.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 559-559
Author(s):  
Ahmad Saleh ◽  
Kingsley Cruickshank ◽  
Takisha Morancy ◽  
Giaynel Cordero ◽  
Nicholas Baglieri ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives A Plant-Based Eating (PBE) dietary pattern is reportedly beneficial for pts with kidney disease but attitudes of CKD/ESKD patients regarding plant-based eating and dietary habits have been rarely reported. Methods A face-to-face survey was conducted in a random convenience sample of people attending CKD clinic (15), Transplant clinic (12), and the Dialysis Unit (4). Pts were given multiple choice questions assessing their attitudes and understanding of plant-based eating and asked to estimate daily vegetable intake. No difference was noted among clinics so data were analyzed together. Comparisons are by t-test unless noted. Results Mean age was 54.7 ± 1.7 yrs with 16 (53%) men, 25 (80%)Black, 12 (40%) had an income < $20 K, with 10 (33%) between $20 K and 40 K. 10 (33%) were employed. 64.5% (20) were interested in learning more about PBE; 35% had never heard of PBE. 22(71%) reported that they consume animal protein 1–3x daily or more. 20 (57%) reported that they consume plant-based protein less than once a day or never. Pts who did not eat vegetables regularly had a higher BMI than those who ate plants more frequently (30.9 ± 1.86 vs 26.3 ± 0.96, P < 0.05), and higher systolic and diastolic BP (144.3 ± 5.9 vs 126 ± 5.2, P < 0.05 and 77.9 ± 3.5 vs 66.3 ± 4.1, P = 0.019) and were less likely to take herbal or non-vitamin supplements (1% vs 54%, P = 0.007 by Chi square). As regards beliefs about PBE, 46.4% believe it would be difficult to find things to eat at restaurants, 51.7% thought it would be difficult to buy food or groceries on a budget, 46.4% thought they could not get all the protein they need from plant-based foods without eating animal meat or products and 40.7% thought it would be hard to get all the vitamins and nutrients and 63.1% thought it would be easy to find recipes that taste good. Conclusions In our population: 1. The majority of pts were interested in learning about PBE and had heard of it. 2. The majority ate few to no vegetables on a daily basis. 3. Possible obstacles to introducing PBE are common misconceptions including difficulty of affording food, getting enough protein and finding something to eat when eating out. 4. Intensive educational programs targeted towards our population should be developed as pts who ate more vegetables had lower BMI and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and in general PBE has been shown to be beneficial for pts with CKD/ESKD. Funding Sources None.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Calhoun ◽  
Hendrika Meischke ◽  
Kristen Hammerback ◽  
Alex Bohl ◽  
Pamela Poe ◽  
...  

Objective. To investigate motivational factors and barriers to participating in fall risk assessment and management programs among diverse, low-income, community-dwelling older adults who had experienced a fall.Methods. Face-to-face interviews with 20 elderly who had accepted and 19 who had not accepted an invitation to an assessment by one of two fall prevention programs. Interviews covered healthy aging, core values, attributions/consequences of the fall, and barriers/benefits of fall prevention strategies and programs.Results. Joiners and nonjoiners of fall prevention programs were similar in their experience of loss associated with aging, core values they expressed, and emotional response to falling. One difference was that those who participated endorsed that they “needed” the program, while those who did not participate expressed a lack of need.Conclusions. Interventions targeted at a high-risk group need to address individual beliefs as well as structural and social factors (transportation issues, social networks) to enhance participation.


2020 ◽  
pp. 019394592097747
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Kinchen ◽  
Bernadette Lange ◽  
David Newman

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore patient and provider experiences in making health care decisions. A convenience sample of primary care patients and providers was engaged in face-to-face and telephone interviews, to elicit participants’ experiences in making health care decisions. Three main themes were identified in the data: Involvement, including being in control and accepting responsibility; seeking and confirming Information; and establishing communication and negotiating trust in the patient-provider Relationship. Themes identified in the data describe the elements involved in health care decision-making, and depict the relationship between patient and provider as being central to the making of health care decisions. In addition, the subthemes of control and negotiation merit additional in-depth exploration to illuminate the implicit and explicit expressions of hierarchy in the patient-provider relationship, as this hierarchy appears to hinder efforts at sharing decisions in health care encounters.


2017 ◽  
Vol 70 (Suppl. 3) ◽  
pp. 17-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine A. Forestell

As most parents and caregivers are aware, feeding children a nutritionally balanced diet can be challenging. Children are born with a biological predisposition to prefer sweet and to avoid bitter foods such as green leafy vegetables. It has been hypothesized that this predisposition evolved to attract children to energy-dense foods while discouraging the consumption of toxins. Although this may have enhanced survival in environments historically characterized by food scarcity, it is clearly maladaptive in many of today's food environments where children are surrounded by an abundance of sweet-tasting, unhealthful foods and beverages that place them at risk for excessive weight gain. Because overweight or obese children tend to become overweight or obese adults who are at risk for a range of cardiovascular diseases, it is of primary importance to develop effective evidence-based strategies to promote the development of healthy eating styles. Fortunately, accumulating evidence suggests that, starting before birth and continuing throughout development, there are repeated and varied opportunities for children to learn to enjoy the flavors of healthful foods. Because flavors are transmitted from the maternal diet to amniotic fluid and breast milk, mothers who consume a variety of healthful foods throughout pregnancy and lactation provide their infants with an opportunity to learn to like these flavors. This in turn eases the transition to healthful foods at weaning. In contrast, infants fed formula learn to prefer its invariant flavor profile, which differs from breast milk, and may initially be less accepting of flavors not found in formula. This process can continue throughout weaning and into childhood if infants are repeatedly exposed to a variety of healthful foods, even if they initially dislike them. These early-life sensory experiences establish food preferences and dietary patterns that set the stage for lifelong dietary habits.


Author(s):  
Fatma Elsayed ◽  
Aram Alhammadi ◽  
Alanood Alahmad ◽  
Zahra Babiker ◽  
Abdelhamid Kerkadi

The prevalence of obesity has been increased in Qatar, with the transition from healthy to unhealthy dietary habits. Behavioral factors that are associated with obesity are, long-term imbalanced energy intake, high screen time, skipping breakfast and physical inactivity. Changes in body composition and percent body fat (PBF) increase the risk of non-communicable disease. This study is the first study conducted in Qatar to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and body composition among young females at Qatar University. This cross-sectional study consisted of 766 healthy female students Qatari and non-Qatari aged from 18-26 years randomly selected from different colleges at Qatar University. A validate questionnaire was used in order to collect data about healthy and unhealthy dietary patterns. Anthropometric measurements involved body weight, height, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and body composition using “Seca285”, “Seca203” and “InbodyBiospace 720”. Dietary patterns were identified by using factor loading. Linear regression was used to estimate confidence intervals and regression coefficient. More than half of the participants had a normal weight (65.1%), whereas 22.8 % and 12.0% were overweight and obese, respectively. Fat mass, BMI and PBF were slightly increased with age, but there was no significant difference. Factor analysis identified two dietary patterns: unhealthy patterns and healthy patterns. The frequent intake of vegetables and fruits was significant among high PBF female students (p=0.045 and p=0.001, respectively). The frequent intake of fast food was higher for overweight female students but there was no significant difference (p=0.289), whereas, the frequent intake of sweetened beverages was associated with higher significant rate of normal weight among female students (p = 0.009). No significant relation was found between dietary patterns, BMI and PBF. In conclusion, body composition is not significantly associated with healthy and unhealthy eating patterns among young females.


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