Identification of dietary patterns associated with characteristics of successful aging

Introduction: This study aimed to identify dietary patterns (DPs) and their association with successful aging (SA). Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 579 elderly subjects recruited from four states in Malaysia through a multistage random sampling method. SA was defined as having no chronic illnesses, no functional limitation, normal global function, no depression, a good quality of life and good self-perceived health. Information on dietary intake was obtained using a diet history questionnaire. Cognitive functions were assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), depressive symptoms using Geriatric Depression Score-15 items (GDS-15) and a question regarding their perceived health and quality of life. Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) questionnaires were used to determine functional status. DPs were obtained using the principal component analysis (PCA) approach. An ordinal logistic regression model was used to examine associations between DP scores and SA. Results: Five DPs were identified namely 'sweet foods-beverages', 'meat-vegetablesrice and noodles', 'local snacks-fish and seafood-high salt foods', 'fruits-legumes', and 'tropical fruits-oats'. A higher score for 'tropical fruits-oats' DP was associated with SA [Adjusted OR=1.59 (95% CI: 1.08-2.32)]. However, the association diminished when the model was adjusted for education level. Further analysis indicated that this DP increased the chance of SA among those with secondary education and above [Adjusted OR=2.43 (95% CI: 1.09-5.42)]. Conclusion: 'Tropical fruits-oats' DP is associated with SA among elderly with secondary education and above. There is a need to investigate DPs among those with lower education.