Nutrition education and changes in nutrition behavior among the 65-74-year-old population of Eastern Finland

Abstract

This study examined the sources of nutrition information in eastern Finland in 1982. We considered the quality of the information available, and the usability of this information, and reported changes in nutrition behavior among the population 65–74 years of age. The respondents identified TV and radio as the main sources of nutrition information. Compared to men, women had more often read about nutrition issues in newspapers, magazines, and books. The elderly population had been able to understand the information, but only half of them had been able to follow the instructions. The proportion of the elderly population that reported having made some changes in their nutrition habits ranged from 8% to 35% of males and from 16% to 57% of females, depending upon the habit queried. Lower fat consumption was associated not only with decreased fat intake over the previous year, but also with other reported positive changes among both sexes. Not smoking was also related to positive changes in nutrition in both sexes. The various positive health habits appear to reinforce each other, at least among the population we studied.