Dietary transitions and nutritional deficiencies: An empirical study of aging retirees’ nutritional history and health outcomes in Oyo, Oyo state, Nigeria

Title : Dietary transitions and nutritional deficiencies: An empirical study of aging retirees’ nutritional history and health outcomes in Oyo, Oyo state, Nigeria

Abstract:

This empirical study explores dietary transitions and nutritional deficiencies among aging retirees in Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria. The research investigates how retirees' diets change post- retirement and how these changes influence their health outcomes. Factors such as income, access to nutritious food, and physical health are considered in relation to their dietary choices. A sample of 200 retirees was surveyed, and food diaries were analyzed to capture detailed information about their nutritional intake over three days. The study reveals significant shifts in dietary habits, with increased consumption of processed foods and a decrease in fresh, nutrient- rich foods. The findings suggest a correlation between these dietary changes and higher incidences of health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis among retirees. The study concludes with recommendations for targeted interventions to improve the nutritional well-being of retirees in Nigeria.

Keywords: Dietary transitions, Nutritional deficiencies, Retirees' health outcomes and Food access in Nigeria

Biography:

Dr. Monsurat Adeseyi Adelakun is a Lecturer at Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, Nigeria, specializing in Home Economics Education, studied Food Science at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria, and graduated with a B.Sc. in 2011. She then joined the research group at Olabisi Onabanjo University, where she earned an M.Sc. in Home Science and Hospitality Management in 2015. She received her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies in 2024 at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Dr. Adelakun has published multiple research articles in peer-reviewed journals focusing on food safety, family dynamics, and sustainable development.