Assessment of the dietitian's influence on the dietary habits of older adults living in Greek Islands and Cyprus

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the crucial role that nutritional services provided both to public or private health-care systems on dietary habits among older people. Methods: During 2005-2009, 744 men and 742 women (>65 years) from nine Greek Islands and Cyprus Republic were voluntarily enrolled in the Mediterranean Islands study (MEDIS). Sociodemographic, clinical and lifestyle characteristics has been recorded. Information regarding practicing dietitians (n = 88) and nutritional services provided in these islands were also recorded. Results: It has been demonstrated that the long-term presence of dietitian on an island increase the adherence to the Mediterranean diet by the participants (P = 0.03). A positive association was also found between level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet by the older people and dietitian's education status (i.e. basic vs postgraduate, P = 0.003). According to the dietitians' reports, 40% of older adults have improved their dietary habits after the nutritional consultation. Conclusions: Implementing nutritional services within the healthcare system seems to contribute to healthier dietary habits among older adults that may lead to a better quality of life.