The role of diet on the longevity of elderly europeans - a study in the context of the european prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition

Objective

Most causes of death and disability among the elderly have strong nutritional components. We will use data on diet, sociodemographic characteristics and health of 4000 elderly from 8 EU countries, collected in the context of the EPIC study, to identify sociodemographic determinants of their diet and an overall dietary pattern that maximizes longevity. An optimal nutrition score for the elderly, allowing evaluation of the proximity and adaptability of their diet to the identified optimal dietary pattern will also be developed. The value of the proposed project is underlined by three facts:
a) the proportion of elderly in the EU is expected to increase dramatically
b) dietary data on the elderly are extremely sparse and aggregated and
c) changes in dietary habits may contribute, as much as health technologies, to the extension of life and improvement of its quality.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-6. - Key action The Ageing Population and Disabilities

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (12)