Exercise as a gateway behavior for healthful eating among older adults: an exploratory study.
BACKGROUND
The relationship between eating and exercise behavior change may influence effectiveness of interventions for older adults.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether exercise is a potential gateway behavior for healthful eating behavior among older adults.


METHODS
The Transtheoretical Model was applied to eating and exercise behaviors through the administration of a cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
205 older adults (the majority were white women) participating in congregate dining programs in a large Midwestern city.


METHODS
Perceived benefits and barriers, self-efficacy, and stage of change related to exercise and eating habits.


METHODS
Differences in responses to survey items based on stage of change were determined by analysis of variance, P <.05.


RESULTS
Subjects in later stages for exercise behavior were also likely to be in later stages for eating adequate servings of fruit and dairy products but not for vegetables and avoiding fat.


CONCLUSIONS
Exercise is a potential gateway behavior for some dietary behaviors for older adults, justifying further controlled, longitudinal research.
Tucker
Michelle
M
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA.
Reicks
Marla
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004435:Eating / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020377:Self Efficacy