The transition from employee to retired person is a change in the phase of life in which daily activities and the daily schedule have to be filled in again. This involves changes in lifestyle. This phase in life is therefore an opportune moment to implement interventions to promote healthy behaviour. According to the OECD, the average retirement age in Belgium in 2018 was 61.3 years for men and 59.7 years for women. Our target group is recently retired people (maximum 4 years) aged 60 to 70.
Important components of a healthy lifestyle are the diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour. In the age cohort (60-70 years) 60 to 70% are overweight or obese. In addition, the elderly benefit from an optimal body composition.
The following research questions are investigated:
- Is there a link between body composition and diet?
- Is there a link between body composition and sedentary (in)activity?
- Is there a link between body composition and being objectively/subjectively healthy?
- Are there differences in diet, being sedentary (in)active, the WHtR, gender, the SES linked to differences in body composition?
Methods
- Cross-sectional study (minimum 140 participants)
- 3-day food diary by dietary pattern
- Validated questionnaires on sedentary behavior and physical activities
- Survey of demographic data and objective/subjective health
- Body composition: length, weight, BOD POD® , WHtR, hand dynamometer
Drawing up the protocols, carrying out the literature study, recruiting the participants, taking measurements and processing the data is partly carried out by students as part of their bachelor's thesis and/or internship.