Factors Associated With Dietary Risks in Older Korean Americans

Yuri Jang, Jisook Ko, Min Kyoung Rhee, Nan Sook Park, David A. Chiriboga, Miyong T. Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Given the importance of healthy eating in the later years of life, the present study examined factors associated with dietary risks in older Korean Americans. We hypothesized that dietary risks would be associated with sociodemographic disadvantages, adverse health conditions, and limited sociocultural resources. Dietary risks were assessed with a scale covering five behavioral and situational risk factors (eating alone, skipping meals, functional challenges, oral health problems, and financial difficulties). Analyses of the data from the Study of Older Korean Americans (N = 2,150) showed that the sample on average had 1.13 risks (SD = 1.31), eating alone having the highest frequency (35.6%). Supporting the hypothesis, higher levels of dietary risks were found in individuals with sociodemographic disadvantages, poorer physical and mental health status, smaller social networks, and lower acculturation. Findings suggest concerted efforts to promote dietary behaviors and call attention to older immigrants who are socially and culturally isolated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)234-247
Number of pages14
JournalInternational Journal of Aging and Human Development
Volume96
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2023

Keywords

  • acculturation
  • dietary risks
  • healthy eating
  • older immigrants
  • social network

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Aging

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