| Scope and method of study: The purpose of this investigation was to determine how gender, age, and life event experience influence differences in health outcomes among older rural adults. Specifically, nutrition, health, and food handling practices were examined through correlations, mean differences (2 gender X 2 life event), and logistic regression analyses. Participants included N = 171 persons age 65 and older who currently resided in five rural communities in Oklahoma. Data was collected using surveys consisting of eight instruments that assessed socio-demographic information, life event experience, nutritional health status, food consumption, food handling, subjective health status, functional health status, and health impairment.;Findings and conclusion: This study revealed that health and nutrition appear to influence precautionary as well as risky food handling practices. Furthermore, older adults who experienced a natural disaster as a child have greater functional health problems in later life. Finally, women and old-old adults residing in rural settings appear to be most at risk for poor nutrition and health, as well as engagement in improper food handling practices. |
