Change of Elders' Diets in Rural Regions of Southeastern Anatolia Following Economical Development

Abstract

Less information is known on the nutrition status of elderly people living in rural zones of Southeastern Anatolia, a developing region of Turkey with the huge irrigation project initiated in 1990s that are generally obtained from hospital or nursing homes. Thus, data for real life situation is not sufficient for evaluating nutrition of elders. Data on elderly people’s living in rural areas nutrition attributes living at home in Southeastern Anatolia Project Region is needed for preventing problems arising from nutrition following economical development. The study was conducted with 80 participants of equal number of man and women at the age 65 years and over living in relatively well-off Arikok, Sanliurfa (irrigated zone) and low income Yukaridaglica, Adiyaman (unirrigated zone) in the Southeastern Anatolian Project Area (Turkish acronym GAP). SPSS 17.0 software along with Independent T, Chi square and multi response tests were employed for data evaluation. The elderly men and women in rural areas of Southeastern Anatolian mostly consume foods with high carbohydrate and fat content. Family members who prepare food for the family found to be careless for elders’ diet priorities since traditional eating pattern in the region, independent of income level, primarily caused obesity. Economic development in terms of income increase cannot always bring positive effects to the society if not coupled with interdisciplinary studies alike health issues. In this regard, increasing awareness among young and middle aged family members on healthy food preparation are crucial for elders’ health in GAP Region independent to economic status.