Dietary and Activity Profiles of Selected Immigrant Older Adults in Canada

Abstract

In Canada, the population of older adults is becoming ethnically diverse. However, our understanding of the health behaviors including diet and physical activity among this group is limited. The purpose of this study is to examine the dietary and physical activity profiles, and the factors that influence these behaviors, among older immigrants. The sample included 54 participants (mean age = 68 +/- 6 years) from Cambodian, Latin-American, Vietnamese and Polish groups. Measures included background questionnaire, nutrition screening tool, 24-hour dietary recall, and physical activity assessment. Results showed that 72.5% were at moderate to high risk for poor nutrition. Identified dietary issues were related to food preparation, nutrition management for diseases, and nutritional needs of the elderly. Although 83.3% reported to be physically active, the level was less than optimal, and barriers to physical activity were identified. The results are further discussed in light of health promotion and nutrition education among immigrant older adults.

Variation in mode of physical activity by ethnicity and time since immigration: a cross-sectional analysis

“…To our knowledge few studies to date have analyzed PA modes among ethnic minorities or immigrant groups. One of these was a study conducted in a group of older Canadian adults consisting of mainly Vietnamese, Cambodian, Polish, and Latin-American immigrants [22]. In this study, walking was the most frequently reported PA among Latin Americans, followed by aerobics.…”

Acculturation and Nutritional Health of Immigrants in Canada: A Scoping Review

“…In spite of this, long exposure to Canadian culture tends to be associated with an increased fat and sodium intake [23, 34]. One study involving older adult immigrants in London, Ontario found that continuance of traditional eating habits and consumption of special ethnic foods can increase the risk of poor nutrition, particularly sodium intake, which was found to be as high as 238–474 % of the daily recommended intake for some individuals [35]. Overall carbohydrate intake tended to be lower among immigrants [36].…”

“…Changes due to living environment, availability of foods, and lifestyle factors such as urbanization and language barriers have also been shown to impede the Punjabi women’s efforts to maintain their traditional dietary practices. Lack of time for food preparation and unavailability of traditional ingredients and equipment in Canada were also identified as barriers to maintaining a traditional diet [35]. Availability and affordability of traditional foods were reported as important barriers to healthy eating among older Punjabi men living in British Columbia who tended to prefer traditional dishes [42].…”

“…Low SES was associated with a transition from traditional to Western diet among Haitian immigrants residing in Montréal [27, 37]. Johnson and Garcia [35] reported that barriers to healthy eating among older adults (aged 59–81) in London, Ontario include a low level of education, poverty and transportation constraints. Immigration related stress was shown to contribute to communication barriers, social isolation and financial insecurity, which may in turn affect the eating behaviors and health status of newcomers [34].…”

Promoting food intake in older adults living in the community: a review

“…These groups experience different barriers and facilitators to food intake and further research is needed to differentiate these influences (Shatenstein et al 2003(Shatenstein et al , 2004. Older adult immigrants have been identified as at increased risk for inadequate diets (Johnson and Garcia 2003), but research in this area is sparse despite our multicultural society. Additionally, understanding the complex interaction between individual and collective determinants is needed to move forward with health promotion efforts (Payette and Shatenstein 2005).…”