Sociocultural Influences on Diet, Physical Activity, and Nutritional Status Among Older Adults in Anchorage, Alaska

This award supported research to examine the sociocultural factors that shape diet, physical activity practices, and nutritional status among an ethnically diverse sample of Alaskan older adults (adults aged 65+ years) living in Anchorage. This project (1) identified and evaluated the influence of sociocultural factors on dietary and physical activity patterns among urban Alaskan elders, and (2) identified relationships between the sociocultural environment, diet, physical activity, and nutritional status in this population. This 9-month long mixed-methods research study employed participant observation, semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and anthropometric techniques. Fifteen interviews were conducted with seniors in Anchorage to identify the sociocultural factors that influence diet and physical activity practices. From these data, the investigator finalized the questionnaires which measures typical foods eaten (food frequency), engagement in physical activities, and the strength of sociocultural influences on these dietary and activity practices (a cultural survey). This questionnaire was orally administered by the researcher as a structured interview and anthropometric measurements (height, weight, and waist circumference) were taken with a convenience sample of 82 seniors in Anchorage. Anthropometric measurements were used to determine body mass index (BMI) and the prevalence of normal weight, overweight, and obesity. This research project will contribute to a deeper understanding of the social and cultural context of aging and health among urban Alaskan elders.