exploratory investigation of self-actualization, social support, and dietary quality in later adulthood

Nutrition has been implicated as an influence in the health of older adults. However, the nature of this relationship remains unclear. Dietary patterns mirror lifelong cultural and ethnic influences, and are also responsive to existing medical and economic conditions. Depression, isolation, and cognitive impairment have been associated with inadequate food intake in this age group. Recent concern about malnutrition, including obesity, has prompted a social-psychological approach to nutrition and aging research. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationship of self-actualization and social support to dietary quality. Data were obtained from 100 older adults, 60 to 83 years of age. Descriptive analysis of 24-hour dietary records revealed that many subjects, even those of moderate socioeconomic status, were at potential nutritional risk. Calcium, folacin, and zinc were below two-thirds of the Recommended Dietary Allowances. In addition, inadequate intakes of kilocalories and dietary fiber were observed. Small but significant associations were found between the predictor variables and dietary quality. Self-actualization, which was measured by the Personal Orientation Inventory, and social support, which was assessed by the Nutrition Support Questionnaire, accounted for no more than 10% of the variance in dietary quality. Furthermore, except for support from family, friends, and neighbors, relationships were not consistently observed for all measures of the criterion variable, which was defined by individual nutrient adequacy scores and an overall index. Within the exploratory context of the study, several intervening variables were examined. Education and decisions to make dietary changes appeared to positively influence self-actualization and dietary quality. Loneliness, depression, and chronic disease were among a cluster of variables that tended to exert a negative influence on self-actualization. A theoretical model of dietary quality in later adulthood was proposed. Further research is needed to test these linkages empirically.