Higher Local Food Consumption Is Associated with Higher Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Better Healthy Aging: Results of the DIAPELH Study.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Sustainable dietary patterns in geriatrics have gained considerable attention. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated whether higher consumption of locally produced foods is associated with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet and with better healthy aging status among Greek older adults. Methods: Sociodemographic, anthropometrical, lifestyle, dietary, cognitive, and mental characteristics assessed through validated questionnaires and procedures, were assessed. Participants (N = 449) were divided into three local food consumption groups/tertiles: "high" (≥45% of total dietary intake), "moderate" (27-44%) and "low" (≤26%). MedDietScore (0-55) was used to assess the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet and SAI (0-10) to assess healthy aging. Results: Older adults of the "high" group showed an increase of 0.817 units in the SAI index compared to older adults of the "low" group. Additionally, high local food consumption was also associated with higher SAI levels (b = 0.493, p = 0.007) compared to the "moderate" group. Among older individuals whose diet comprises over 45% local foods, an increase of approximately 2.8 and 1.95 units in the MedDietScore was detected when compared to the "low" and "moderate" groups. Conclusions: Higher consumption of local foods, and more specifically consuming local foods in more than 45% of the total dietary intake, is associated with greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet and better healthy aging. The results suggest that food locality may play an important role in shaping better dietary habits, health trajectories, and quality of life of older adults.