Dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, polyunsaturated fats, and fish and positive psychological well-being in older adults: A cross-sectional analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA)

This research investigates the impact of dietary intake on positive psychological states, with a particular focus on fruits and vegetables (F&V), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and fish consumption. Utilizing a cross-sectional analytical design, the study analyzed data from 3,013 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) Wave 9 (2018/19). The findings indicate that F&V and fish intake are positively correlated with eudemonic well-being, happiness, and life satisfaction, while PUFAs are associated only with eudemonic well-being and happiness. Specifically, the associations between fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake and eudemonic well-being, as well as fish intake and happiness, remained significant even after adjusting for various covariates. The study suggests that enhancing the intake of F&V, PUFAs, and fish may promote psychological well-being in middle-aged and older adults, advocating for initiatives to improve access to healthy diets. Further longitudinal research is recommended to explore the temporal effects of diet on well-being. [NPID: psychological, well-being, eudemonic, happiness, fish, PUFA, vegetables, life satisfaction, diet]

Year: 2025

Reference: Theeraoat, P. T., Hackett, R. A., Chilcot, J., & Steptoe, A. (2025). Dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, polyunsaturated fats, and fish and positive psychological well-being in older adults: A cross-sectional analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). British Journal of Health Psychology, 30(3), e70022. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.70022

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