Search

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]

Objective: To investigate the association of Mediterranean food group consumption with successful aging (SA), among people more than 50 years old. Method: Dietary habits, as well as several bio-clinical characteristics of the Greek participants enrolled in the ATTICA (n = 1,128 men and women from Athens metropolitan area) and the MEDIS (n = 2,221 men and women from selected Greek islands) cohort studies were investigated in relation to SA; SA was measured using a validated 10-scale index. Results: Multivariate discriminant food group analysis revealed that legumes consumption, followed by vegetables, cereals, and poultry were associated with higher levels of SA index (explained variability: 7.9%), mainly among islanders, but not among mainland participants. Further analysis revealed that alcohol consumption was positively associated with SA for mainlanders (ATTICA study) but inversely for islanders (MEDIS study; all p 's <.05). Conclusion: The differential and hierarchical effect of various foods on SA and the diet-environmental interaction revealed in the present work may help health professionals to better understand the role of diet on SA, and to prioritize the nutritional needs of older people for better quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous studies have reported associations between levels of protein and carbohydrate intake with several health outcomes. Yet, their effect on successful (or healthy) aging remains unknown. The purpose of the present work was to investigate the association of protein and carbohydrate intake levels with successful aging. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was carried out on the participants of two epidemiological studies; the ATTICA and the MEDIS studies. Anthropometrical, clinical and socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, and lifestyle parameters were derived through standard procedures. Successful aging was evaluated using a validated index (SAI) composed of 10 health-related social, lifestyle and clinical characteristics. Results: SAI levels were lower in low protein—high carbohydrate diet group (B = − 0.08, p = 0.04), but higher in high protein—high carbohydrate group (B = 0.06, p = 0.04), as compared to low protein and low carbohydrate diet, in participants living in insular areas. Protein—carbohydrate diet was not associated with SAI (all p's > 0.05) among participants living in urban areas (p for diet—study interaction < 0.001). Conclusions: A high protein diet seems to be beneficial for older islanders in terms of successful aging; stating a hypothesis for a potential diet–environmental interaction that may be related to the quality of foods consumed and, consequently the sources of nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of diet and inflammation in successful ageing is not transparent, and as such, is still being investigated. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the inflammatory potential of dietary habits in the successful ageing of a random sample of older adults living in the Mediterranean basin and who participated in the MEDIS (MEDiterranean ISlands) study.Methods: During 2005-2016, 3,128 older adults (aged 65-100 years) from 24 Mediterranean islands and the rural Mani region (Peloponnesus) of Greece were enrolled in the study. A multidimensional successful ageing index consisting of 10 components was employed. A validated and reproducible Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to evaluate the dietary habits of the older adults. A nutrition anti-inflammatory (NAI) score based on the participants' specific dietary habits was assessed.Results: Participants with high NAI scores (proinflammatory nutrition) had a higher prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and lower levels of successful ageing. After adjusting for several confounders, the NAI score was associated with successful ageing (-0.03, 95% CI -0.5 to -0.006). Stratified analysis by gender and advanced age revealed heterogeneity in the NAI score, predicting successful ageing.Conclusions: The inflammatory potential of nutrition was reported as an important factor for successful ageing, suggesting that further research is needed on the role of anti- and proinflammatory dietary habits in healthy and successful ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of parental longevity and parental cardiovascular disease (CVD) history in CVD risk and successful aging of a random sample of older adults living in the Mediterranean basin and who participated in the MEDiterranean Islands (MEDIS) study. During 2005 to 2011, 2663 elders were voluntarily enrolled. A multidimensional successful aging index consisting of 10 components was used. Paternal and maternal longevity was defined as those older participants of whom both parents lived above the age of 90. The burden of CVD-related factors (CVD-RFs) was calculated as the total score of 4 major CVD-RFs (range 0-4). After adjustment, parental longevity was inversely associated with the burden of CVD-RFs (P = .04). Moreover, parental longevity was positively associated with the older adults’ successful aging score (β-coefficient [95% confidence interval]: .38 [0.06-0.71]). Parent’s long living was revealed as an important factor for successful aging and for reduced CVD risk, suggesting that further research is needed in the genetic predisposition of longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are places around the world that are characterized by high longevity rates; among these places are islands in Eastern Aegean Sea (Ikaria Island). Sparse data suggest that islanders' nutritional habits are based on both local products and the coastal transport development; however, the level of adherence to the traditional Mediterranean lifestyle is relatively unknown. This review explores eating habits and behaviors, as well as the health status of people living in Eastern Aegean Sea islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The determinants that promote successful ageing still remain unknown. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the role of skeletal muscle mass and body fat percentage (BF%), in the level of successful ageing. Methods during 2005–2011, 2663 older (aged 65–100 years) from 21 Mediterranean islands and the rural Mani region (Peloponnesus) of Greece were voluntarily enrolled in the study. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and BF% were calculated using population formulas. Dietary habits, energy intake, expenditure and energy balance were derived throughout standard procedures. A successful ageing index ranging from 0 to 10 was used. Results The mean ASM mass was 24 ± 6.0 kg, the SMI was 0.84 ± 0.21 and the BF% was 44%. Females had lower SMI and higher BF% in comparison with males, respectively [(SMI: 0.66 ± 0.09 vs. 1.03 ± 0.11; BF%: 51% vs. 34%, (p < 0.001)]. High successful agers had better rates in ASM (p = 0.01), SMI (p < 0.001) and BF% (p < 0.001), compared with the medium and low successful ones. Changes in SMI [b-coefficient (95% CI):2.14 (1.57 to 2.71)] were positively associated with successful ageing, while changes in BF% [b-coefficient (95% CI): −0.04 (−0.05 to −0.03)] were inversely associated with successful ageing. Results from sensitivity analysis showed that the effects of variations on body composition were consistent, less pronounced in the positive energy balance group and more pronounced among the oldest old. Conclusions Body composition changes seem to be associated with lower quality of life in the older adults, as measured through successful ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The determinants that promote living beyond life expectancy and successful aging still remain unknown. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the role of energy balance in successful aging, in a random sample of older adults living in the Mediterranean basin. Method: During 2005 to 2011, 2,663 older (aged 65-100 years) adults from 21 Mediterranean islands and the rural Mani region (Peloponnesus) of Greece were voluntarily enrolled in the study. Dietary habits, energy intake, expenditure, and energy balance were derived throughout standard procedures. A successful aging index (range = 0-10) was used. Results: After adjusting for several confounders, high energy intake (i.e., >1,700 kcal/day), b-coefficient [95% CI] = −0.21[−0.37, −0.05], as well as positive energy balance, b-coefficient [95% CI] = −0.21 [−0.37, −0.05], were inversely associated with successful aging. Conclusion: A diet with excessive energy intake and a positive energy balance seems to be associated with lower quality of life, as measured through successful aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The definition and determinants of successful aging is still controversial. Although dietary habits have long been associated with aging, eating habits and behaviors have rarely been included in various proposed indices of successful aging. The aim of this work was to evaluate determinants of successful aging together with assessment of dietary habits in relation to healthcare facility use among elders living in the Mediterranean basin. During 2005–2011, 2663 elderly (aged 65–100 years) individuals from 21 Mediterranean islands and rural Mani region (Peloponnesus) were voluntarily enrolled in the study. A successful aging index ranging from a score of 0 to a score of 10 was constructed using 10 attributes, i.e., education, financial status, physical activity, body mass index, depression, participation in social activities with friends and family, number of yearly excursions, number of cardiovascular disease risk factors and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The applied factor analysis on the components of the index extracted three main components for successful aging: psychosocial-economic, bioclinical and lifestyle; confirming the multiple dimensions of aging. After adjusting for confounders, a 1/10-unit increase in the successful aging index was associated with 0.8 less annual visits to healthcare centers (95% CI − 1.3 to −0.2). Stratified analysis by gender revealed heterogeneity of factors predicting successful aging. These findings suggest that successful aging is a multidimensional and complex concept that exhibits gender heterogeneity. Annual use of health care services by the elders was found to be related to level of successful aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data regarding the factors associated with depressive symptoms are limited, especially in postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent depressive symptoms were present in postmenopausal women, to explore characteristics associated with depressive symptoms and to determine if time since menopause was independently associated with depressive symptoms. Data collected within the Mediterranean Islands (MEDIS) Study, a health and nutrition survey of elderly people living on Mediterranean islands was used. A total of 851 postmenopausal women living in various Greek islands, Cyprus, and Malta participated in the study. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Age-adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that a year’s increase in the time since menopause increased the likelihood of postmenopausal women having severe depressive symptoms by 3% (odds ratio [OR] per 1 year = 1.03, 95% CI 1.001–1.05). This positive association was also evident when other potential confounding factors (i.e, living conditions, financial status, physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, smoking habits, and several clinical conditions) were also taken into account in multivariable analyses. Primary health care practitioners and public health care authorities could use the findings of this study to identify depressive symptoms early in postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the crucial role that nutritional services provided both to public or private health-care systems on dietary habits among older people. Methods During 2005-2009, 744 men and 742 women (>65 years) from nine Greek Islands and Cyprus Republic were voluntarily enrolled in the Mediterranean Islands study ( MEDIS). Sociodemographic, clinical and lifestyle characteristics has been recorded. Information regarding practicing dietitians (n = 88) and nutritional services provided in these islands were also recorded. Results It has been demonstrated that the long-term presence of dietitian on an island increase the adherence to the Mediterranean diet by the participants ( P = 0.03). A positive association was also found between level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet by the older people and dietitian's education status (i.e. basic vs postgraduate, P = 0.003). According to the dietitians' reports, 40% of older adults have improved their dietary habits after the nutritional consultation. Conclusions Implementing nutritional services within the healthcare system seems to contribute to healthier dietary habits among older adults that may lead to a better quality of life. [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]

Objective: To investigate whether the socio-economic status (SES) of elderly eastern Mediterranean islanders is associated with their dietary habits, particularly with adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was measured by the MedDietScore (range: 0-55), whereas SES was estimated using education and financial status. Subjects: During 2005-2007, 300 men and women from Cyprus, 100 from Samothraki, 142 from Mitilini, 114 from Kefalonia, 131 from Crete, 150 from Lemnos, 150 from Corfu and 103 from Zakynthos (aged 65-100 years), free of known chronic diseases, participated in the survey. Results: Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that belonging to the highest SES was associated with a higher MedDietScore (P<0·01), after adjusting for potential sociodemographic, lifestyle, dietary and clinical confounders. A significant positive association was also found between MedDietScore and years of school (P=0·004), as well as financial status (P=0·001). Conclusions: Older Greek people of higher SES seem to follow a relatively healthier diet. Both education and income seem to play a role in this issue. Thus, public health policy makers should focus on people with low SES in order to improve their quality of diet and, consequently, their health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between midday napping, sleeping hours, and successful aging among 2564 older (65+ years) individuals living in the insular Mediterranean region. 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). Of the 2564 participants, 74% reported midday napping. The SAI score was 2.9/10 for non-midday nappers vs. 3.5/10 for midday nappers (p = 0.001). Midday nappers were more likely to be physically active (p = 0.01) and to have higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p = 0.02) compared to non-midday nappers. In a fully adjusted model, midday nappers had 6.7% higher SAI score compared to the rest (p < 0.001), and the effect of midday napping was more prominent among males and participants 80+ years of age. Further analysis indicated a significant U-shaped trend between sleeping hours/day and SAI score (p < 0.001), with 8–9 h total of sleep/day, midday napping included, proposed as optimal in achieving the best SAI score. Midday napping seems to be a beneficial habit that should be promoted and encouraged in older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is correlated with low-grade inflammation and dietary habits. Until today, there have been limited epidemiologic data assessing the role of diet's inflammatory potential on NAFLD. The aim was to evaluate the relationship between an anti-inflammatory diet, as reflected by the Dietary Anti-Inflammation Index (D-AII), and NAFLD among cardiovascular disease (CVD)-free adults. Methods: ATTICA is a prospective, population-based study that recruited 3042 adults without pre-existing CVD from the Greek population (Whites; age ⩾18 years; 1514 men and 1528 women). D-AII was calculated using a standard procedure. The baseline study captured various sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical characteristics as well as hepatic markers. These were used to calculate four NAFLD assessment indices: triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), and NAFLD Fatty Liver Score (NAFLD-FLS). Specific cutoffs were applied to capture NAFLD. Results: D-AII showed a significant inverse association with NAFLD, applying the four indices with NAFLD cutoffs [odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI); TyG (0.95, 0.93–0.98); HSI (0.89, 0.86–0.92); FLI (0.88, 0.85–0.91); NAFLD-FLS (0.89, 0.86–0.92)], after adjusting for various confounders. Participants in the highest D-AII tertile had lower odds of having NAFLD, compared with those in the lowest D-AII tertile [(OR, 95% CI); TyG (0.33, 0.24–0.47); HSI (0.13, 0.08–0.23); FLI (0.05, 0.02–0.11); NAFLD-FLS (0.13, 0.07–0.23)]. Anti-inflammatory nutrition was related to lower odds of NAFLD among daily alcohol drinkers and individuals with metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: Anti-inflammatory diet is an important predictor of NAFLD among adults without pre-existing CVD. Adherence to a high anti-inflammatory diet seems to contribute to NAFLD prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]