NUTRITIONAL AWARENESS, BEHAVIORS AND BARRIERS RELATED TO SUSTAINABLE HEALTHY DIET AMONG COMMUNITY DWELLING OLDER ADULTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

As the global population ages, promoting healthy, sustainable diets for older adults is vital to prevent age-related diseases and enhance well-being. This study aimed to assess nutritional awareness, sustainable eating behaviors, and barriers among older adults in primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Abha, Saudi Arabia. Community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years were included in the study. Data was collected using the Nutritional Awareness Scale (NAS), Sustainable Healthy Eating Behaviors Scale (SHEBS), demographics, lifestyle factors, and barriers to sustainable healthy eating.  Among participants, 53.5% demonstrated high NAS and 53.8% high SHEBS, with a strong positive correlation (r = 0.641, p < 0.001). Higher NAS was significantly predicted by younger age (p < 0.001), urban residence (p = 0.034), sufficient income (p < 0.001), and physical exercise (p < 0.001), while married status (p < 0.001), chronic illness (p = 0.002), and ordinary diet (p < 0.001) were negative predictors. For SHEB, significant positive predictors included sufficient income (p = 0.029) and physical exercise (p < 0.001), while married status (p < 0.001) and inadequate sleep (p < 0.001) were negative predictors. Although many older adults report high nutritional awareness, barriers still hinder sustainable healthy eating. These findings underscore the importance of targeted public health initiatives enhancing access to affordable, sustainable, and healthy food, thereby promoting healthy aging. 

Keywords aging, nutrition, health promotion, older people, sustainability