2019 Volume 23 Issue 1 Pages 54-62
Purpose : This study aimed to clarify the effects of healthy eating literacy, food-related community activities and expectations of registered dietitians on the eating behavior of community-dwelling young-old and old-old individuals.
Method : A questionnaire survey was conducted among 274 elderly people aged 65 years or older living in a large-scale residential complex that was developed in the 1970s. Eleven items from the food frequency questionnaire based on food groups (FFQg4.0) were used to assess eating behavior.
Results : In both young-old and old-old individuals, the level of healthy eating literacy affected eating behavior. In the young-old age group, having a family member who required care reduced eating behavior, while participating in a dinner gathering enhanced their eating behavior. In the old-old age group, the intensity of their expectations for planning and working on cooking classes or similar activities with a registered dietitian was associated with their eating behavior.
Conclusion : The results suggested that in dietary support for the older adults living in the community, healthy eating literacy was enhanced by registered dietitians doing activities together with elderly individuals, which can lead to improved eating behavior.
