# Eating behaviors among chinese older adults: A qualitative study using the capability, opportunity, motivation, and behavior model

## TL;DR

This study explores how Chinese older adults' eating behaviors are influenced by personal, social, and environmental factors using a behavioral model.

## Contribution

The study applies the COM-B model to understand eating behaviors in Chinese older adults through a qualitative lens.

## Key findings

- Nutritional literacy strongly influences dietary behaviors among older adults.
- Limited digital skills reduce access to healthy food options.
- Family dynamics both support and limit dietary autonomy.

## Abstract

This study explored the mechanisms underlying eating behaviors among Chinese older adults using the COM-B model, which conceptualizes behavior through Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation components.

A qualitative descriptive design was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 community-dwelling older adults in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China, from October to December 2024. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data.

Four major themes were identified: Restrictive Eating, Emotional Eating, Nutritional Literacy, and External Eating. Dietary patterns were influenced by physical health conditions, emotional states, family dynamics, and digital barriers to food information access.

Eating behaviors among older adults are shaped by complex and interconnected factors across individual, social, and environmental domains. Interventions promoting healthy aging should integrate strategies to enhance capability, optimize opportunity, and strengthen motivation.

•Behavioral mechanisms of older adults' eating shaped by capability, opportunity, motivation.•Nutritional Literacy strongly influence dietary behaviors.•Limited digital skills reduce access to healthy food options.•Family dynamics both support and limit dietary autonomy.•Findings guide culturally tailored nutrition interventions for older adults.

Behavioral mechanisms of older adults' eating shaped by capability, opportunity, motivation.

Nutritional Literacy strongly influence dietary behaviors.

Limited digital skills reduce access to healthy food options.

Family dynamics both support and limit dietary autonomy.

Findings guide culturally tailored nutrition interventions for older adults.