Psychosocial factors influencing the eating behaviours of older adults: A systematic review

As research on eating behaviors in later life has largely focused on malnutrition’s physiological and biological impacts, interventions have primarily concentrated on correcting nutritional deficiencies. However, there is a growing need to explore strategies that help older adults eat well and enjoy their food-related lives as they age. The purpose of this review by Walker-Clarke, Walasek & Meyer (2022) is to provide an overview of the state of knowledge about the psychosocial elements influencing eating habits in older individuals.  After conducting thorough searches and evaluations, 53 articles (22 qualitative and 31 quantitative) were analyzed to understand better the mechanisms that shape these behaviors. Eight major psychosocial variables impacting eating in later life were found by the review: (1) Mental health and mood, (2) food emotions and enjoyment, (3) eating arrangements, (4) social facilitation, (5) social support, (6) health awareness and attitudes, (7) food decision-making, (8) perceived dietary control. It also highlighted the lasting impact of early food experiences on later-life eating habits. The review concludes by calling for further research into these psychosocial factors, improvements in research methodologies, and a better understanding of the barriers and enablers that influence healthy eating in later life. [NPID: Ageing, older adults, eating behaviors, influences, dietary outcomes, psychosocial]

Year: 2022

Reference: Walker-Clarke, A., Walasek, L., & Meyer, C. (2022). Psychosocial factors influencing the eating behaviours of older adults: A systematic review. Ageing Research Reviews, 77, 101597. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2022.101597

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