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The aim of the present work was to investigate the association of dietary habits and lifestyle characteristics with successful aging among native Greeks and Greeks of Diaspora (Canada and France). During 2005–2019, 2,434 Greek men and women, living in Greece, in France, and in Canada, over 65 years of age were enrolled voluntarily in the study. Anthropometric, clinical and socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, and lifestyle parameters were derived through standard procedures, while successful aging was evaluated using the validated Successful Aging Index (SAI, range 0–10). The SAI of the overall sample was 2.8 ± 1.4. Greeks of Diaspora had higher SAI levels compared to their counterparts in Greece (p's <.001). However, there was no difference between Greeks of Canada and these of France (p >.05). Actually, Greeks of Diaspora had almost 1.9 units higher SAI compared to native Greeks (p <.001). Work and financial status, dietary and lifestyle behaviors (i.e., physical activity, smoking habits), and several clinical characteristics (i.e., history of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia) were statistically different between the three groups (all p's <.05). Greeks of Diaspora had higher SAI levels, probably because of their healthier lifestyle practices, which mainly depend on their traditions and cultural background of their homelands and living conditions in the host countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 1960s, the recorded dietary pattern of Southern European populations was typical of the traditional Mediterranean diet. However, diets have been rapidly changing. The aim of the current work was to examine the extent by which present food habits of inhabitants residing in various Mediterranean islands uphold past dietary traditions of the Mediterranean diet. A population-based, multi-stage sampling method was used to voluntarily enroll 876 men and 936 women (aged > 65 years) from 12 Mediterranean islands. Demographic, behavioral, clinical, and dietary data were collected. Principal component analysis derived fruits, vegetables, and greens as part of the main dietary pattern across most Mediterranean regions. Surprisingly, Crete had the highest frequency of fast-food and sweets consumption. Malta had the lowest frequency of fish and vegetable consumption and the lowest MedDietScore. As Mediterranean populations gradually move away from traditional dietary patterns, public-health efforts to preserve these diets are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to evaluate the level of adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet among 1190 elderly adults living in the Greek islands and Cyprus. Methodology: The retrieved information included demographic, bio-clinical and dietary characteristics. Results: The level of adherence to this dietary pattern was 61% in both men and women. People in rural areas had slightly higher level of adherence compared to those living in urban areas (62% vs. 60%). Conclusion: The level of adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet was moderate. People living in rural areas seem to better hold these traditional dietary habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]