Midlife to older rural US women with prehypertension were eating some of the foods that would help them meet mineral recommendations. As a preventive approach to reducing hypertension risk, clinical practice could include advising on ways to increase both commonly and less commonly consumed nutrient-rich foods with awareness of what is typically available in the rural area.
Loneliness and a loss of commensality contribute to the decline in nutritional status observed in older adults. The use of video chatting while dining, i.e. “VideoDining”, provides an opportunity for older adults to eat with another person virtually while dining at home. We tested the acceptability and feasibility of VideoDining in older adults receiving Meals on Wheels (MOW) and explored whether it changed meal intake. Participants were recruited from a rural county in NY and ate their MOW meal while VideoDining with a companion diner at a different location. To assess acceptability, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with each participant and companion diners completed a written survey. The amount of the VideoDining meal consumed was compared to usual intake from three days of food records. 140 MOW clients were contacted,13 agreed to participate and 10 completed the VideoDining experience. Barriers to participation included being uncomfortable with the technology, lack of internet service and illness. Participants were 80% female, 100% white, and all lived alone. Average meal length was 39 minutes and 40% ate more than usual, 30% ate the same, and 30% ate less. Reasons for eating less included being nervous and eating when not their usual mealtime. All participants reported they would VideoDine again and companion diners rated the overall experience a 9.2 out of 10. Older adults are able to VideoDine with a new acquaintance and have a positive experience. Further study is needed to determine if VideoDining can increase dietary intake and decrease loneliness in older adults.
Video chat allows people to connect when not physically together. Using video chat while sharing a meal (VideoDining) may decrease loneliness and improve older adults' nutritional intake. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey study using Amazon Mechanical Turk in June 2020. The objectives were to learn about eating with others, the use of video chat, and interest in VideoDining in older adults during the pandemic. There were 1331 survey attempts with 167 responses meeting the criteria for age (65 years of age or older), U.S. residency, and quality. Participants were 64% male, 77% white, 65% college-educated, and a median age of 67 years (IQR=2 years). Few participants lived alone (17%), yet 76% reported feeling isolated. Eating with others regularly, defined as several times a week or more, declined in the pandemic (44% vs. 59% pre-pandemic, p=0.0002). The use of video chat and eating when video chatting increased during the pandemic versus pre-pandemic (82% vs. 74%, p=0.003; 47% vs. 37%, p=0.0005). The majority of participants said they would VideoDine (50%) or consider trying it (37%). Interest in VideoDining did not vary by age, race, or gender. Participants who used video chat were more likely to say they would VideoDine than participants who had never used video chat (OR=3.1; 95% CI=1.25, 8.35; p=0.02). This data suggests most adults 65 years of age and older, already using the Internet, are experiencing isolation and decreased mealtime commensality during the pandemic. The vast majority are using video chat and are interested in trying VideoDining.
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