Healthy Aging in the North

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Healthy Aging in the North is written by Britteny M. Howell, Ph.d. and published by . It's available with International Standard Book Number or ISBN identification 1979852464 (ISBN 10) and 9781979852463 (ISBN 13).

Increasing rates of overweight, obesity, and related cardiovascular diseases among olderadults in the United States present unique public health challenges. Cross-cultural researchhas shown marked variation in health across the world's elder populations because aging is abiological process rooted in sociocultural context. The sociocultural environment contributesto complex negotiations of food and physical activity patterns for older adults. It is wellestablished in the literature that urban residents report low levels of physical activity andhave easy access to fast food outlets, which tend to be concentrated in lower-incomeneighborhoods. I utilize a biocultural framework, integrating nutritional anthropology withhealthy aging perspectives to recognize the role of the social determinants of healththroughout the lifespan. This anthropological study integrates qualitative and quantitativemethods to answer the following research question: What is the relationship between thesociocultural factors that shape diet, physical activity, and nutritional status among Alaskanelders in Anchorage? The results indicate that diet and physical activity practices in thissample do not meet national recommendations and that diet differs adversely from nationalreference samples. Statistical analyses indicate that the media and friends positivelyinfluenced older adults to increase their energy expenditure. Family influences increased fruitconsumption, while participation in cultural and social events increased intake of fats andsweets. Cultural identity was an important factor for Alaska Native participants' dietaryselections. Social supports increased access to healthy foods and safe physical activities. Thisresearch suggests that trying to reach older adults with diverse needs through a variety ofchannels, including the media, social networks, and social events, can help alleviate some ofthe barriers to healthy diet and exercise patterns. These data indicate a need for culturallyresponsiveprograms that maintain relationships with family members and make connectionsbetween elders with similar healthy aging goals in order to improve diet and physical activitypractices.