Objectives Cardiovascular health (CVH) and physical performance (PP) are key factors of successful ageing. This study investigated whether self-reported CVH behaviours and self-rated health (SRH) are related to ideal CVH and PP. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Public places in Italy (e.g. exhibitions, malls, health promotion campaigns), outside of conventional healthcare settings. Participants 1415 community-living persons aged 65+ years (mean age 72.2 ± 5.4; 58.4% female). Measurements Three ideal CVH behaviors [regular physical activity (PA), healthy diet, no smoking] and SRH (1 excellent — 4 poor) were assessed through a brief questionnaire. Four ideal CVH factors [iBMI ≤ 25 kg/m2, untreated random total blood cholesterol ≤200 mg/dl, absence of diabetes (untreated random blood glucose ≤200 mg/dl), untreated blood pressure (iBP) <140/90mmHg] and two ideal PP factors [grip strength (iGrip), 5-repetition chair-stand test <10 seconds (iStand)] were measured. Results Adjusted for age and gender, regular PA was positively related to CVH factor score (β = 0.1; p = <.001), iBMI (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.5-2.3), iBP (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.1-1.6) and iStand (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.3-2.1). Healthy diet was positively related to CVH factor score (β = 0.1; p = <.05) and iGrip (OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.1-1.8). Participants rating SRH as “good” (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.1-3.9) and “not so good” (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.2-4.5) met iDiabetes more often than those with poor SRH. Moreover, iStand (OR = 3.2; 95% CI = 1.6-6.6) and iGrip (OR = 4.2; 95% = CI 2.0-8.8) were more prevalent among participants with excellent SRH compared with those with poor SRH. Conclusions Physical activity, diet and self-rated health may provide quick and easy-to-assess metrics to identify persons aged 65+ years at risk of cardiovascular events and functional impairment, who could particularly benefit from engaging in health promotion programs.

In older adults, the relationship between healthy eating motivation (HEM) and protein intake as key component of a healthy diet is poorly understood. Therefore, we investigate the association of HEM with (1) total protein intake and (2) intake of different protein sources in older adults with varying functional status. In this cross-sectional study including 250 adults (≥70 years), we assessed HEM with “The Eating Motivation Survey” and protein intake by 7-day food records. In addition, gender, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), energy intake and functional status were considered. Regression analyses revealed that HEM was neither related to total (β = −0.02; p = 0.723) nor to relative protein intake (β = 0.04; p = 0.370). Notwithstanding this, participants with stronger HEM showed lower intake of protein from meat and meat products (β = −0.14; p = 0.018), higher intake of overall plant-based protein (β = 0.11; p = 0.032), protein from fruit and vegetables (β = 0.20; p = 0.002) and from pulses, nuts an seeds (β = 0.16; p = 0.016). Our findings suggest HEM as a valuable indicator for intake of distinct protein sources. However, since HEM is not related to total protein intake, the importance of sufficient protein consumption should be emphasized by promoting healthy eating, regardless of self-perceived HEM.

Malnutrition among nursing home (NH) residents increases the mortality risk, with prevalence differing based on the screening tool utilized. This study aims to analyze the differences between NH staff's judgment of residents' nutritional status (NH staff) and Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form® (MNA) and examine the relationship between these methods and various health factors with six-month mortality in NH residents. The nutritionDay is a one-day cross-sectional audit with outcome evaluation. The analysis included NH residents ≥65 years old from units participating with ≥5 residents. Differences between NH staff and MNA were analyzed using a cross table, and concordance, minor, and major discrepancies were calculated. Mortality rates for residents with malnutrition, according to both methods, are reported. Two unadjusted and five adjusted binomial logistic regression models analyzed differences regarding mortality, MNA, and NH staff. The analysis included 7767 residents (mean age of 87 ± 8 years, 74 % female). MNA identified 18.4 % as malnourished and 48.7 % at risk, while NH staff classified 10.2 % as malnourished and 26.2 % at risk. MNA and NH staff categorizations concurred in 52 % of the cases, 44 % were minor, and 4 % major discrepancies. Overall mortality was 13.8 %, with higher rates observed among malnourished residents (27.1 % MNA and 27.0 % NH staff) and at risk (19.1 % MNA, 13.8 % NH staff). The odds ratio (OR) for mortality was higher for malnourished residents and those at risk (MNA OR 4.4 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 3.6-5.5]; at risk MNA 2.2 [1.8-2.6]) and malnutrition NH staff 2.8 [2.3-3.4]; at risk NH staff 1.988 [1.7-2.3]). These associations were consistent across models, with differences in OR and 95 % CI. Factors such as the inability to express oneself, requiring ≥5 drugs/day, >120 min of care/day, and almost all MNA items were linked to increased mortality risk. The prevalence of malnutrition varied depending on the screening method, with the MNA identifying more residents as malnourished or at risk than the NH staff. Both MNA and NH staff were associated with six-month mortality, confirming previous literature. Consistency across models indicates robust predictors for identifying high-risk residents.