Impact of aging on food consumption in rural China: Implications for dietary upgrading and health improvement

Abstract

BackgroundThe issue of population aging in rural China is getting profound; nevertheless, its impact on food consumption has not been well evaluated. This study aims to examine the relationship between rural aging and family food consumption in rural China.Materials and methodsUsing the statistical yearbook data and the nationally representative household-level data from the China Rural Fixed Observation Points, this study compares the evolution of food consumption between rural and urban residents from 1985 to 2020 and analyzes the structure of food consumption expenditure of rural residents. Next, this study further investigates the impact of aging on food consumption in rural households with ordinary least squares.Results(1) The principal foods consumed by rural residents in 2020 are meat and meat products (36.8%), grain (24.5%), and vegetables (10.9%). (2) An increase in older adults has decreased the absolute consumption of all foods, while it increased relative consumption of meat and meat products, aquatic products, edible oil and fats, poultry, eggs, and sugar. (3) Due to differences in the structure of young adults’ food consumption, older adults would increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables if they lived with younger adults.ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that rural older adults may increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables by advocating intergenerational cohabitation while maintaining their intake of protein to achieve a balanced dietary structure and improve their health condition.

Food Hygiene-Sanitation Labels: Is It Important? Analysis of Consumer Attention and Perception Across Age, Gender, Education and Income Groups

“…As people get older, their awareness of consuming safe and healthy food increases, therefore they tend to keep reading food labels on the product packaging. Gao et al (2022) also agree that the aging population increases the demand for certain foods such as poultry and eggs. However, it should be noted that age structure has no significant effect on food consumption in the UK, with race being the only important factor (Astbury et al, 2019).…”

Meat–Egg–Dairy Consumption and Frailty among Chinese Older Adults: Exploring Rural/Urban and Gender Differences

“…Lastly, the findings indicating a faster increase in frailty among female residents has highlighted the gender-specific dynamics influencing dietary habits and health outcomes among Chinese older adults. The traditional gender roles and responsibilities in Chinese society may contribute to dietary habits and health behaviors among older adults [30]. Women, particularly in older generations, often bear the responsibility for meal preparation and family caregiving, leading to differential dietary patterns.…”

“…As such, exploring potential rural/urban and gender differences in this relationship offers valuable insights into the nuanced interplay. Studies have shown that rural older adults in China tend to have a lower consumption of animalbased foods, including meat, eggs, and dairy products, compared to their urban counterparts [30]. This disparity in dietary patterns may be attributed to factors such as limited access to markets, lower socioeconomic status, and adherence to traditional dietary practices in rural areas.…”