INTERGENERATIONAL INTERACTION AND NEEDS OF COMMUNITY MEALS SERVICES AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN URBAN CHINA. (16th November 2018) - Zhao, W
Abstract: Objectives: Healthy eating is important for older age. The paper examined the relationships between intergenerational interaction (i.e., support exchange, negative relationship) and needs of community meal services (e.g., delivery frequency and low-sodium recipes). Method: A sample of 583 residents aged 45 and over was collected in Shanghai from May to December in 2017. Five groups of ordinal logistic regression were run to investigate the associations between each type of meal service and intergenerational interaction with demographic characteristics controlled for. Results: Low-sodium recipes were the most popular needs, followed by differential pricing and ordering service. Participants who received more support from their adult children had overall greater expectation for community meal services. Participants who were less close to their adult children also had overall greater expectation for community meal services. Results also indicated higher requirements for meal services among younger female participants with higher SES. Discussion: Results implied that adult children's support may encourage their parents to improve their eating habits and behaviors and thereby live a healthier life. Practitioners may consider diversifying meal services in the community and facilitating social interaction during meal time.