The effects of socio-economic and environmental factors on nutrition risks and macro-nutrient intake of New Zealanders in advanced age

Abstract

Background: Ageing is a global phenomenon. Nutrition plays an essential role in the wellbeing of older adults. Physiological changes, socio-economic and environmental factors play a part in determining nutrition risks and macro-nutrient intake in older people. Aims: This thesis aims to examine the relationship between socio-economic and environmental factors, and nutrition risk and macro-nutrient intake of New Zealanders in advanced age. Methods: The Life and Living to Advanced Age a Cohort Study in New Zealand (LiLACS NZ) enrolled 937 M ori (80-90years) and non-M ori (85years) residing in Bay of Plenty and Rotorua, North Island of NZ in 2010. At baseline; demographics, socio-economic status (SES), medical history and nutrition risk measure (Seniors in the Community Risk Evaluation for Eating and Nutrition, SCREEN II), were administered face-to-face by trained interviewers. SCREEN II score <48 was considered high nutrition risk, and 49 low nutrition risk. A 24-hour multiple pass recall dietary assessment was used to record dietary intake in the second year of LiLACS NZ. This thesis focuses on the overall energy and macro-nutrient intakes. Results: Overall, there were 44%men and 55%women. In M ori, controlling for age, gender, education level and NZ Deprivation Index, factors related to low nutrition risk were higher education level, poor perception of health, living with someone and connection to community. The interesting finding of poor perception of health and low nutrition risk could be due to cultural differences. In non-M ori, living with someone was associated with low nutrition risk. Factors associated with carbohydrate intake for M ori were education level and alcohol intake; for non-M ori it was life satisfaction and alcohol intake. In M ori, higher protein intakes were associated with receiving extra help and spending a little less time on hobbies; low protein intakes were associated with received emotional help. For non-M ori, lower protein intakes were associated with deprivation; high intakes were associated with smoking, no hearing disability, and somewhat to no difficulties getting to shops. Higher fat intake in M ori was associated with lower education level and health limiting in climbing stairs; no associations were found for non-M ori. Conclusions: Socio-economic and environmental factors were associated with nutrition risk and macronutrient intake in advanced age. These need to be considered when targeting policy interventions concerning advanced age.