Health and lifestyle characteristics of older European adults: the ZENITH study

Abstract

Objective: To describe health and lifestyle factors of participants in the ZENITH study. Design: A prospective multicentre intervention study employing a randomised double-blind design. Participants: Community dwelling older adults (n ¼ 387), aged 55-87 y were recruited from regions in France, Italy and the UK. Intervention: A self-report questionnaire comprising socio-demographic variables, dietary habits, physical activity in the home, at work and recreation. Results: Participants differed with regards dietary habits and physical activity for each region. Recreational activity was higher in France and women generally tend to perform less hours of recreational activity per week than men. Conclusions: The differences found for these regions of Europe in relation to lifestyle factors will affect health and well-being within these countries and may mediate the impact of zinc supplementation on various biological and psychological parameters.

Associations between obesity (BMI and waist circumference) and socio-demographic factors, physical activity, dietary habits, life events, resilience, mood, perceived stress and hopelessness in healthy older Europeans

“…A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was derived from that used previously in the Zenith study of healthy ageing [30] and then abridged, piloted and employed as a measure of how often ten different food groups (dairy; meat/poultry; fish/eggs; bread/cereals; confectionary/bakery; spreads; oils; fruit/vegetables; wine; and, other alcoholic drinks) were consumed. Responses were on a Likert scale ranging between 0–6 (never < 1 once per month; 1–3 per month; 1 per week; 2–6 per week; 1–3 times per day, 4 times per day, 5 or more per day).…”

“…Physical activity and sedentary behaviour were assessed using a scale previously employed in the Zenith study [30]. Higher scores denoted greater sedentary behaviour on ‘weekdays’ and ‘weekends’ by indicating one of the following: On a week/weekend day (1) I spend up to 1 hour sitting down; (2) I spend over 1 to up to 4 hours sitting down; (3) I spend over 4 to up to 7 hours sitting down; (4) I spend over 7 to up to 9 hours sitting down; (5) I spend more than 9 hours sitting down; (6) None of these; (7) Don’t know/can’t remember.…”

Elderly consumers and their food store experiences

“…With advancing age adults tend to experience a decline in appetite, food intake and dietary adequacy (Hughes et al, 2004;Simpson et al, 2005), as well as a decreasing ability to taste and smell, chewing difficulties and limited dexterity (Popper and Kroll, 2003). Retailers and food product developers should be aware of these changes and tailor their products and services to their customers needs.…”

Introduction to the ZENITH study and summary of baseline results

“…This has important health implications for older adults and needs to be taken into account when investigating the effects of Zn supplementation on psychological and biological parameters on a panEuropean adult sample (Simpson et al, 2005a). The ZENITH study is designed to assess the effects of Zn supplementation in ageing European citizens.…”