Diet and self-rated health among oldest-old Chinese

Introduction: Dietary behavior is a central modifiable risk factor for human health. This study examined the longitudinal relationship between dietary habits and self-rated health among the oldest-old Chinese. Methods: Participants aged 80 years and above (N = 7273) were first interviewed in 1998 and followed in subsequent waves 2–3 years apart till 2011–2012 in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Cox proportional hazards regressions were performed to estimate the effects of dietary habits on poor self-rated health, adjusting for various individual characteristics. Results: Compared to those who rarely/never consumed fruit, vegetable, meat, egg, and soybean-derived product, participants consuming such products almost every day were 28%, 20%, 32%, 16%, and 16% less likely to report poor self-rated health during follow-up, respectively. Compared to those who rarely/never consumed fruit, meat, fish, soybean-derived product, and tea, participants consuming such products occasionally were 12%, 24%, 11%, 15%, and 14% less likely to report poor self-rated health during follow-up, respectively. Compared to those who rarely/never consumed sugar, participants consuming sugar almost every day were 14% more likely to report poor self-rated health during follow-up. The effects of dietary habits on self-rated health to some extent differed by sex. Conclusions: Oldest-old Chinese could gain health benefit from regular consumption of fruit, vegetable, meat, fish, egg, soybean-derived product, and tea; whereas their sugar consumption may need to be reduced. Future research is warranted to establish the recommended daily nutrient allowances for the oldest-old adults and better address the nutritional needs of this vulnerable population.