This article appears in the following The Gerontologist issue: Promoting Cognitive Health in Diverse Populations of Older Adults [View the issue table of contents]
Perceptions and Beliefs About the Role of Physical Activity and Nutrition on Brain Health in Older Adults
2 Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
3 Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station
4 Department of Health and Exercise Science, Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina
5 Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
6 Psychosocial and Community Health, University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle
7 Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park
8 Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
9 Office for the Study of Aging, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia
1 Address correspondence to Sara Wilcox, PhD, Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, PHRC 3rd Floor, Columbia, SC 29208. E-mail: swilcox{at}sc.edu
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Abstract |
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Purpose: To examine older adults’ perceptions of the link between physical activity (PA) and nutrition to the maintenance of cognitive health. Design and Methods: Forty-two focus groups (FGs) were conducted with 396 ethnically diverse (White, African American, American Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Hispanic) community-dwelling older adults. FGs were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using a constant comparison method. Responses pertaining to PA and nutrition were analyzed. Results: Participants noted a positive link between both PA and dietary practices and brain health, although some participants voiced skepticism regarding diet. Walking was most frequently cited as a recommended PA, but participants did not know the recommended frequency, duration, and intensity. Limiting portion sizes; preparing foods in healthier ways; eating more fish, fruits, vegetables, low-fat foods, and chicken; and eating less red meat and chicken with the skin were associated with brain health. Multiple dietary supplements were also discussed. More racial/ethnic differences were noted for PA than for diet. Implications: Interventions and media campaigns may benefit from explicitly linking PA and dietary habits with brain health and helping older adults understand that cardiovascular risk factors are also dementia risk factors. Emphasizing the total diet (vs. specific nutrients) and providing clear messages regarding the frequency, duration, and intensity of recommended PA would also be useful.
Keywords: Cognition, Aging, Physical activity, Exercise, Nutrition, Perceptions, Qualitative research
Received June 27, 2008; Accepted August 28, 2008
Decision Editor: Angela K Hochhalter, PhD
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