Nutrition knowledge, muscle strength and physical activity participation in independently living older men and women : a thesis completed as part of the requirements for Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Massey University, Albany Campus Auckland, New Zealand
Loading...
Date
2019
DOI
Open Access Location
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Massey University
Rights
The Author
Abstract
Aim: To investigate nutrition knowledge and characterise the physical typologies of older men and women residing in a retirement village based on their age, anthropometry and levels of physical activity.
Methods: A single-centred cross-sectional study among 43 older New Zealand men and women living independently in a retirement village. Participants (20 men and 23 women) completed a nutrition knowledge questionnaire and anthropometry, body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis; BIA), grip strength (handgrip dynamometer), Five Times Sit to Stand (FTSS), gait speed and physical activity (accelerometer) testing.
Results: Four distinct physical typologies: ‘strong sedentary’, ‘weak sedentary’, ‘overweight active’ and ‘lean active’. The two sedentary typologies scored in the normative ranges in the three physical measures. Strong sedentary and overweight active men were stronger (P<0.05) and had a higher BMI (P<0.001). Lean active women recorded higher weekly step counts (P<0.001), higher levels of light and moderate activity (P<0.001) and were less sedentary (P<0.001). High levels of nutrition knowledge with mean NAK-50+ questionnaire score >74% for both men and women. No significant nutrition knowledge associations were found between men and women (P=0.372). Each typology scored above frailty cut-offs in each physical function test (handgrip, FTSS and gait speed).
Conclusions: Among Four distinct physical typologies there were no significant nutrition knowledge associations between the groups. More research is needed to further understand the role of nutrition knowledge in older adults related to body composition and typologies. High levels of physical activity and function were evident among these independent older adults indicative of low risk for loss of independence.
Description
Keywords
Older people, Nutrition, New Zealand, Aging, New Zealand, Physiological aspects