# Dietary patterns of Filipino older adults and associated factors: analysis of the 2013 National nutrition survey and 2018–2019 expanded National nutrition survey

## TL;DR

This study examines the dietary patterns of older adults in the Philippines and identifies factors influencing these patterns to support healthy aging.

## Contribution

The study identifies three dietary patterns and their sociodemographic and lifestyle associations in Filipino older adults using national survey data.

## Key findings

- Three dietary patterns were identified: meat-based, traditional rice and fish, and vegetables, fruits and oil.
- Lower odds of adhering to the meat-based pattern were found among females, older adults, and those with lower socioeconomic status.
- Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors significantly influence adherence to different dietary patterns.

## Abstract

The Philippines is transitioning into an ageing society soon. Nutrition is one of the key determinants of healthy ageing and understanding the dietary pattern of older adults is an important step for public health practice. This study describes the dietary patterns of older Filipino adults and determines the associated factors using the 2013 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) and 2018–2019 Expanded NNS (ENNS) datasets.

From both surveys, a combined total of 11,306 older adults (≥ 60 years old) were included in the analyses. Food items from the two non-consecutive 24-h food recalls were classified into 17 food groups and were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). Factor scores derived from the PCA were used to determine adherence to the generated dietary patterns. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with adherence to the dietary patterns.

Three major dietary patterns, similar for both NNS and ENNS, were identified namely (1) meat-based; (2) traditional rice and fish; and (3) vegetables, fruits and oil pattern. For both surveys, the odds of adherence to the meat-based pattern were significantly lower among females, adults aged 70 years and older, rural dwellers, and those with low BMI, lower educational attainment, and lower socioeconomic status. Sociodemographic, nutritional, and lifestyle factors were also associated in varying degrees with adherence to the traditional and vegetables, fruits, and oil patterns.

Our study showed that the dietary patterns of older adults in the Philippines were associated with sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, and nutritional status. This study sheds light on understanding better the role of sex, age, SES, educational attainment, and lifestyle factors, nutritional status in influencing dietary patterns of older adults. Our findings make a valuable contribution in crafting specific and timely nutrition-focused interventions for the older population in support towards healthy aging.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-025-06426-2.