Poster Presentation
Wednesday, 19 July 2006
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Wednesday, 19 July 2006
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Understanding Obesity in Community Dwelling Old-Old
Bonnie Callen, PhD, Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA
| Learning Objective #1: Describe lifetime weight changes in community dwelling old-old and reasons for the changes. |
| Learning Objective #2: Identify ways the old-old feel they could successfully change their weight.
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Abstract
Purpose: While the prevalence of obesity in the U.S. has grown dramatically across the lifespan, little is known about obesity in the old-old (those age 80 or older). Obesity in old age may exacerbate the multiple comorbidities prevalent in old age, impacting on quality of life, health outcomes, health care utilization and costs. The purpose of this study is to investigate lifetime weight changes, explore reasons for weight changes, assess motivation to change, and examine ways overweight and obese old-old feel they could successfully change their weight.
Description of the Research: A cross sectional convenience sample of overweight or obese community dwelling old-old (those age 80 or older) were interviewed for this qualitative study. The setting is one southeastern county encompassing both urban and rural areas. Semi-structured interviews explored a history of weight change, causes, and motivation to change. Probing follow-up questions further explored these areas. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated from measured height and weight for categorization. Data analysis consists of content analysis of the transcripts.
Outcomes: Ongoing analysis reveals that weight gain has been relatively recent, frequently after retirement, and that this group is motivated to lose weight. Knowledge gained from this study may point to interventions targeted specifically at the needs of the old-old, the most rapidly growing portion of the U.S. population.
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