Potential for, and readiness to, dietary-style changes during the retirement status passage: a systematic mixed-studies review

Abstract

Abstract Context Unfavorable diets contribute to the global burden of disease and particularly affect individuals’ health in old age. To promote healthy aging, it is vital to understand the biographical circumstances under which diets manifest and change. Objective This systematic mixed-studies review explored changes in dietary styles of people facing retirement. Data Sources Seven electronic databases were searched systematically, along with reference lists. Data Extraction Five qualitative and five quantitative studies were identified out of n = 974 records screened. Relevant study characteristics were extracted with a piloted form. Data Synthesis A qualitative convergent synthesis design was conducted. Results Study results were inconsistent. The majority of studies identified various dietary-style changes after retirement – some in favorable ways (eg, increased vegetable consumption [n = 4]) and some in rather unfavorable ways (eg, increased snacking [n = 2]). Influencing factors were changes in mealtime structures, available time, and financial situations accompanying retirement. Conclusion More high-quality, longitudinal research is needed to build a sound basis for interventions by utilizing the retirement transition as a window of opportunity for dietary changes. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO registration no. CRD42018074049.