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13 pages, 278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Habits and Depression in Community-Dwelling Chinese Older Adults: Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Moderating Role of Physical Exercise

by Kai Wei, Shaohui Lin, Junjie Yang and Chunbo Li

Nutrients 2024, 16(5), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16050740 - 05 Mar 2024

Viewed by 765

Abstract

Background: Healthy diets and physical exercise, two modifiable lifestyle factors, are protective against depression in older adults. This study aimed to investigate whether physical exercise may influence the associations of dietary habits with depression in Chinese community-dwelling older adults. Methods: In the 2018 [...] Read more.

Background: Healthy diets and physical exercise, two modifiable lifestyle factors, are protective against depression in older adults. This study aimed to investigate whether physical exercise may influence the associations of dietary habits with depression in Chinese community-dwelling older adults. Methods: In the 2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, 12,708 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years were included for analyses. Older adults’ dietary habits (including daily intake of food components such as fruits, vegetables, animal oil, and so on) and physical exercise were assessed. Depression was evaluated via the 10 item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D-10) scale. The influences of physical exercise on the associations of dietary habits with depression were estimated using logistic regression models adjusted for confounders. Results: Older adults who took physical exercise had a significantly decreased probability of depression (adjusted OR = 0.73, p < 0.001). As for dietary habits, the intake of fruits, vegetables, eggs, nut products, mushrooms or algae, and vitamins were inversely associated with the prevalence of depression (adjusted ORs = 0.61–0.81; p-values: from <0.001 to 0.025), while animal oil was positively associated with it (adjusted OR = 1.52, p < 0.001). When stratified by physical exercise, older adults who ate fruits or vegetables had consistent decreased risk of depression, no matter whether they took physical exercise or not (adjusted ORs = 0.52–0.70), while the intake of eggs, nut products, and vitamins were inversely associated, and animal oil was consistently positively associated with depression only in older adults who did not take physical exercise (adjusted ORs = 0.79, 0.68, 0.63, and 1.67, respectively). Conclusions: Physical exercise may conceal the potential protective effects of some healthy dietary habits in terms of depression and counteract the detrimental effects of the unhealthy habits. Some dietary habits may be considered as alternative protective measures for depression in community-dwelling older adults when physical exercise cannot be performed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Population Aging in Asia)

14 pages, 317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Serum Vitamin D₃ Concentration, Sleep, and Cognitive Impairment among Older Adults in China

by Yuning Xie, Chen Bai, Qiushi Feng and Danan Gu

Nutrients 2023, 15(19), 4192; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194192 - 28 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1185

Abstract

Background: Cognitive decline in older adults has become one of the critical challenges to global health. This study aims to examine both cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25(OH)D₃) (briefed as VD3) concentration and sleep quality/duration, [...] Read more.

Background: Cognitive decline in older adults has become one of the critical challenges to global health. This study aims to examine both cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25(OH)D₃) (briefed as VD3) concentration and sleep quality/duration, especially their interactions, with risk of cognitive impairment among older adults in China. Methods: We utilized a special subsample of adults aged 65–105 years (individuals = 3412, observations = 4816) from eight provinces in China derived from the 2011/2012 and 2014 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Cognitive impairment was measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination scale. Sleep quality was classified as good versus fair/poor, and sleep duration was classified into short (<7 h), normal (≥7 but <9 h), and long (≥9 h). The VD3 concentration was divided into three levels: deficiency (VD3 < 25 nmol/L), insufficiency (25 nmol/L ≤ VD3 < 50 nmol/L), and sufficiency (VD3 ≥ 50 nmol/L). A wide set of covariates that include demographics, socioeconomic status, family support, health practice, and health conditions was adjusted for robust findings. Multilevel random intercept logit regression models were used to examine the cross-sectional associations between VD3, sleep, and cognitive impairment, whereas logit regression models were applied to investigate the longitudinal associations. Results: In the cross-sectional analyses, when all covariates were adjusted, VD3 sufficiency was significantly associated with a 33% lower risk of cognitive impairment compared with VD3 deficiency; good sleep quality was associated with 34% lower odds of cognitive impairment compared with fair/poor sleep quality; sleep hours were not associated with cognitive impairment, although a long sleep duration (≥9 h) was associated with 30% higher odds of being cognitively impaired when baseline health was not controlled. Interaction analyses reveal that VD3 sufficiency could help to additionally reduce the risk of cognitive impairment for good sleep quality and normal sleep hours. In the longitudinal analyses, the association of VD3 sufficiency remains significant, whereas sleep quality and sleep duration were not significant associates. Conclusions: Good sleep quality, normal sleep hours, and VD₃ sufficiency are positively associated with good cognitive function. VD3 sufficiency could enhance the associations between sleep and cognitive impairment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Population Aging in Asia)

16 pages, 1241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantity and Variety of Fruit and Vegetable Intake with Changes in Measures of Adiposity among Community-Dwelling Chinese Older Adults

by Shu-Yi Li, Jason C. S. Leung, Zhi-Hui Lu and Timothy C. Y. Kwok

Nutrients 2023, 15(19), 4096; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194096 - 22 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1107

Abstract

Background: The association between fruit and vegetable intake, considering both quantity and variety, and weight change among older adults remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the association between fruit and vegetable intake, variety, and changes in adiposity measures among community-dwelling Chinese older adults. [...] Read more.

Background: The association between fruit and vegetable intake, considering both quantity and variety, and weight change among older adults remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the association between fruit and vegetable intake, variety, and changes in adiposity measures among community-dwelling Chinese older adults. Methods: A total of 2944 participants aged ≥65 years from Hong Kong communities were included. Fruit and vegetable intake was estimated by a locally validated food frequency questionnaire. Adiposity measures (weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat and lean mass) were assessed at baseline and the year four follow-up. Restricted cubic spline and logistic models were performed to estimate the associations between fruit and vegetable intake, variety, and changes in adiposity measures. Results: A nonlinear association between vegetable intake and weight change was found, following a J-shape curve. Increased vegetable intake was associated with less increases in weight, BMI, and fat mass among those below median intakes. However, these associations became insignificant at higher intakes (all P-nonlinearity < 0.05). The ORs (95% CIs) for weight gain across the quartiles of vegetable intake were as follows: 1.00 (reference), 0.81 (0.56, 1.17), 0.55 (0.36, 0.83), and 0.88 (0.58, 1.33). Similar patterns were observed in overweight and normal weight participants, but not in those with low body weight. No associations with weight change were found for fruit intake or fruit and vegetable variety. Conclusions: Moderate vegetable intake was associated with less weight gain among community-dwelling Chinese older adults, but not in those with low body weight. No association was observed between fruit intake or variety with weight change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Population Aging in Asia)

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14 pages, 871 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Factors for Food Insecurity among Older Adults in India: Study Based on LASI, 2017–2018

by Joelle H. Fong

Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3794; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173794 - 30 Aug 2023

Viewed by 967

Abstract

Background: Food security is linked to the nutritional status and well-being of older adults. India is a rapidly aging nation that ranks highly on the 2022 Global Hunger Index. This paper examines the prevalence and risk factors of food insecurity in India’s older [...] Read more.

Background: Food security is linked to the nutritional status and well-being of older adults. India is a rapidly aging nation that ranks highly on the 2022 Global Hunger Index. This paper examines the prevalence and risk factors of food insecurity in India’s older population. Methods: We used data from the 2017–2018 Longitudinal Aging Study in India. The sample size was 31,532 adults aged 60 years and above. Food insecurity was measured using a four-item version of the Food Insecurity Experience scale. Multivariable logistic regressions using individual-level weights were implemented to assess the risk factors of food insecurity. Results: The prevalence of food insecurity was 10.5% in the weighted sample. Sociodemographic factors were important in explaining food insecurity. Older adults who were male, younger, lowly educated, socially disadvantaged, in rural areas, and outside the Northern region were most vulnerable to food insecurity, controlling for various confounders. Additionally, low economic status, no occupational pension, currently working, social isolation, physical impairment, functional disabilities, poor self-rated health, and arthritis were associated with an increased risk of food insecurity. Conclusions: More active food assistance programs catering to older adults and a better provision of economic and social security are warranted to establish a food-secure environment for rapidly aging India. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Population Aging in Asia)

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13 pages, 546 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adequacy of Nutrient Intake and Malnutrition Risk in Older Adults: Findings from the Diet and Healthy Aging Cohort Study

by Kaisy Xinhong Ye, Lina Sun, Su Lin Lim, Jialiang Li, Brian K. Kennedy, Andrea Britta Maier and Lei Feng

Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3446; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153446 - 04 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1980

Abstract

There is a lack of data on the adequacy of nutrient intake and prevalence of malnutrition risk in Asian populations. The aim was to report on the nutrient intake and prevalence of malnutrition risk in a community sample of older adults in Singapore. [...] Read more.

There is a lack of data on the adequacy of nutrient intake and prevalence of malnutrition risk in Asian populations. The aim was to report on the nutrient intake and prevalence of malnutrition risk in a community sample of older adults in Singapore. Analysis was performed on 738 (n = 206 male, n = 532 male, aged 67.6 ± 6.0 years) adults 60 years and above. Intakes of macro- and micronutrients were evaluated against the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs). Malnutrition risk was assessed using the Nutrition Screening Initiative Determine Your Nutritional Health checklist. It was found that 90.5% older adults exceeded the sugar intake, 68.5% males and 57.1% females exceeded the intake limit for saturated fat, and 33% males had inadequate dietary fiber intake when compared to the RDAs. Inadequate dietary calcium intake was found in 49.5% males and 55.3% females. There were 22.3% of older adults at moderate to high malnutrition risk. Singaporean older adults need to reduce their dietary intakes of sugar and saturated fat and increase their intakes in dietary fiber and calcium. Current findings provide public health awareness on the importance of healthy eating and will facilitate decision making by health promotors to deliver targeted nutrition care programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Population Aging in Asia)

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21 pages, 2347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aging Population, Balanced Diet and China’s Grain Demand

by Xiuli Liu, Mun S. Ho, Geoffrey J. D. Hewings, Yuxing Dou, Shouyang Wang, Guangzhou Wang, Dabo Guan and Shantong Li

Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 2877; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132877 - 25 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1764

Abstract

The need to make more accurate grain demand (GD) forecasting has become a major topic in the current international grain security discussion. Our research aims to improve short-term GD prediction by establishing a multi-factor model that integrates the key factors: shifts in dietary [...] Read more.

The need to make more accurate grain demand (GD) forecasting has become a major topic in the current international grain security discussion. Our research aims to improve short-term GD prediction by establishing a multi-factor model that integrates the key factors: shifts in dietary structures, population size and age structure, urbanization, food waste, and the impact of COVID-19. These factors were not considered simultaneously in previous research. To illustrate the model, we projected China’s annual GDP from 2022 to 2025. We calibrated key parameters such as conversion coefficients from animal foods to feed grain, standard person consumption ratios, and population size using the latest surveys and statistical data that were either out of date or missing in previous research. Results indicate that if the change in diets continued at the rate as observed during 2013–2019 (scenario 1), China’s GD is projected to be 629.35 million tons in 2022 and 658.16 million tons in 2025. However, if diets shift to align with the recommendations in the Dietary Guideline for Chinese Residents 2022 (scenario 2), GD would be lower by 5.9–11.1% annually compared to scenario 1. A reduction in feed grain accounts for 68% of this change. Furthermore, for every 1 percentage point increase in the population adopting a balanced diet, GD would fall by 0.44–0.73 million tons annually during that period. Overlooking changes in the population age structure could lead to an overprediction of annual GDP by 3.8% from 2022 to 2025. With an aging population, China’s GD would fall slightly, and adopting a balanced diet would not lead to an increase in GD but would have positive impacts on human health and the environment. Our sensitivity analysis indicated that reducing food waste, particularly cereal, livestock, and poultry waste, would have significant effects on reducing GD, offsetting the higher demand due to rising urbanization and higher incomes. These results underscore the significance of simultaneous consideration of multiple factors, particularly the dietary structure and demographic composition, resulting in a more accurate prediction of GD. Our findings should be useful for policymakers concerning grain security, health, and environmental protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Population Aging in Asia)

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14 pages, 317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increased Intake of Vegetables and Fruits Improves Cognitive Function among Chinese Oldest Old: 10-Year Follow-Up Study

by Afei Qin, Meiqi Wang and Lingzhong Xu

Nutrients 2023, 15(9), 2147; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092147 - 29 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1972

Abstract

Background: In view of the rapidly accelerating aging process in China, this study looked at the associations between vegetables and fruits intake pattens and cognitive function among the oldest old in China using the genetic sub study from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity [...] Read more.

Background: In view of the rapidly accelerating aging process in China, this study looked at the associations between vegetables and fruits intake pattens and cognitive function among the oldest old in China using the genetic sub study from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Methods: This study screened respondents who participated in all four surveys of longitudinal data from the CLHLS, and a total of 2454 participants were ultimately included. The relationships of cognitive function with vegetables and fruits intake patterns were examined using Generalized-estimating equations. Results: The prevalence range of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was 14.3% to 16.9% at T1 to T3 and 32.7% at T4. There was a significant increase in the prevalence of MCI from T1 to T4 (β = 0.054; 95% CI, 0.037 to 0.070; p < 0.001; adjusted). The V+/F+ pattern significantly improved cognitive function in Chinese older adults compared with the V−/F− pattern (OR, 1.026; 95% CI, 1.001–1.053; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Older adults who frequently consume both fruits and vegetables experience a reduction in MCI risk relative to those consuming these food groups infrequently—emphasizing the critical importance of the regular intake of both fruits and vegetables in maintaining cognitive function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Population Aging in Asia)

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18 pages, 954 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Nutrition and Healthy Ageing in Asia: A Systematic Review

by Yan-Feng Zhou, Xing-Yue Song, An Pan and Woon-Puay Koh

Nutrients 2023, 15(14), 3153; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15143153 - 14 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2344

Abstract

Background: Nutrition plays a key role in modulating the likelihood of healthy ageing. In the present study, we aimed to conduct a systematic review to assess the impact of nutrition on healthy ageing in Asia. Methods: The systematic review was registered in the [...] Read more.

Background: Nutrition plays a key role in modulating the likelihood of healthy ageing. In the present study, we aimed to conduct a systematic review to assess the impact of nutrition on healthy ageing in Asia. Methods: The systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database (CRD42023408936) and conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched up to February 2023 without language restrictions. We included prospective cohort studies that evaluated the associations of intake of a single food or consumption of a single nutrient at midlife; adherence to various dietary patterns at midlife; and improved adherence to dietary patterns from mid- to late life with the likelihood of healthy ageing and its components. Results: Out of 16,373 records, we included 71 papers comprising 24 cohorts from Singapore, China, Japan, and Thailand. The healthy ageing components included cognitive function, physical function, and depression. The majority of studies supported the observation that the likelihood of healthy ageing and its components in late life was positively increased by a higher consumption of healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, legumes, tea, milk, and dairy, at midlife, and also by greater adherence to dietary patterns with high diversity scores or high total antioxidant capacities. Furthermore, improved adherence to healthy dietary patterns from mid- to late life also increased the likelihood of healthy ageing in late life. Conclusion: Consuming healthy foods and adhering to healthy dietary patterns at midlife can promote the likelihood of healthy ageing. Moreover, improving diet quality from mid- to late life can still be beneficial. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Population Aging in Asia)

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