Dietary habits and physical activity patterns among Slovenian elderly: cross-sectional survey with cluster analysis

Authors

  • Joca Zurc Faculty of Health Care Jesenice Spodnji Plavž 3 SI-4270 Jesenice
  • Cirila Hlastan-Ribič National Institute of Public Health Trubarjeva 2 SI-1000 Ljubljana
  • Brigita Skela-Savič Faculty of Health Care Jesenice Spodnji Plavž 3 SI-4270 Jesenice

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14528/snr.2015.49.1.48

Keywords:

liflifestyle, elderly (> 65 years), aging factors, hierarchical cluster analysis, health promotion

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity and a healthy diet are significant predictors of healthy ageing—they help the elderly maintain their physical and mental health, and prevent chronic diseases. Methods: The data for the empirical quantitative survey were collected on the sample of 218 elderly community-dwelling participants (aged 65 years or more), using a structured questionnaire for self-reporting. Data analyses were proceed with the bivariate statistics, and multivariate hierarchical cluster analysis. Results: Most respondents reported good dietary habits (83.1%) and a satisfactory physical activity level (60.5%). On average, the elderly eat 3-4 meals per day (59.8%) and engage in physical activity at least three times a week (58.6%), with interventions lasting 15 minutes or more (84.4 %) and non-organized activity prevailing (96.2%). Ward’s method yielded three clusters with homogenous dietary and physical activity patterns: ‘Health Conscious’ (30.8%), ‘At Risk’ (42.7%) and ‘Special Requirements’ (26.5%). Significant differences were identified between clusters and educational level (p = 0.001). Discussion and conclusions: In the future, special attention should be placed on the elderly group with a lower educational level and special dietary and physical activity requirements. Additional studies on representative samples are required for a comprehensive investigation into the lifestyle behaviours of elderly individuals.

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Author Biographies

Joca Zurc, Faculty of Health Care Jesenice Spodnji Plavž 3 SI-4270 Jesenice

doc. dr. Joca Zurc, prof. raz. pouka

Cirila Hlastan-Ribič, National Institute of Public Health Trubarjeva 2 SI-1000 Ljubljana

izr. prof. dr. Cirila Hlastan Ribič, univ. dipl. živil. tehn.

Brigita Skela-Savič, Faculty of Health Care Jesenice Spodnji Plavž 3 SI-4270 Jesenice

izr. prof. dr. Brigita Skela Savič, viš. med. ses., univ. dipl. org.

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Published

2015-03-20

How to Cite

Zurc, J., Hlastan-Ribič, C., & Skela-Savič, B. (2015). Dietary habits and physical activity patterns among Slovenian elderly: cross-sectional survey with cluster analysis. Slovenian Nursing Review, 49(1). https://doi.org/10.14528/snr.2015.49.1.48

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Original scientific article