Oklahoma Dust Bowl: Differences In Health and Nutrition Among Oklahoma Rural Older Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine how gender, age, and life event experience influence differences in health outcomes among older rural adults. Nutrition, health, and food handling practices were examined through correlations, mean differences, and logistic regression analyses. Participants included N = 171 persons age 65 and older who currently resided in five rural communities in Oklahoma. Data was collected using surveys consisting of eight instruments that assessed socio-demographics, life event experience, nutritional health status, food consumption, food handling, subjective health status, functional health status, and health impairment. Health and nutrition appear to influence precautionary as well as risky food handling practices. Furthermore, older adults who experienced a natural disaster as a child have greater functional health problems in later life. Finally, women and old-old adults in rural settings appear to be most at risk for poor nutrition and health, as well as engagement in improper food handling.