A recent study from the University of British Columbia (UBC) reveals that persistent social isolation in older Canadian women is significantly associated with poorer dietary habits—particularly a reduced intake of fruits and vegetables, which ultimately compromises overall diet quality. Drawing from data collected through the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), researchers followed the social and dietary patterns of 30,097 adults over six years to assess how sustained or shifting degrees of isolation affected their eating behaviours.
Dr Annalijn Conklin, the study’s senior author and associate professor in UBC’s faculty of pharmaceutical sciences, emphasised the unique approach taken in this research. “We know that social isolation reduces life expectancy, but most studies tend to measure it at just one point in time,” she explained. “We wanted to understand the longer-term effects of being socially disconnected or, conversely, becoming more connected, on health-related behaviours like diet.” By tracking participants across several years, the team was able to identify more nuanced patterns between social engagement and nutritional intake.
The findings in Nutrients underscore the importance of varied and consistent social interaction. The study examined the types of activities in which participants engaged—such as visiting with friends, volunteering, attending club meetings, participating in educational events, or playing sports—and found that women who regularly participated in a range of these activities were more likely to maintain healthier diets. In contrast, those whose social involvement dwindled or who never established such connections initially tended to see a decline in diet quality over time.
Dr. Conklin elaborated on why the diversity of social activities matters. “Different activities provide distinct forms of cognitive, emotional, or physical stimulation, all of which can contribute to healthier eating routines,” she noted. “It’s not just about being active or filling time; it’s about sustaining meaningful connections in different areas of life.” These findings support that social richness—not just social contact—is vital in reinforcing healthy habits as people age.
However, the study also offered a cautionary insight: social activity initiated after a period of isolation did not necessarily reverse the decline in diet quality. Women who became socially active after experiencing isolation were still more likely to exhibit reduced diet quality by the end of the six years. This suggests that the type and context of social interaction are critical. “Some settings—like poker or bridge—might actually encourage behaviours such as frequent snacking or alcohol consumption,” Dr. Conklin said. “So even though someone becomes more socially involved, it doesn’t always translate into healthier habits.”
This research adds a critical dimension to a growing body of work by the Conklin Lab that examines the intersection of social ties, gender, and health. Previous studies from the lab have addressed issues such as the role of social diversity in health outcomes among older Canadians and the lack of robust gender-based research in understanding conditions like hypertension. In this new study, the spotlight is placed on how the variety and consistency of social engagement can influence long-term dietary practices, especially for older women who often juggle multiple roles throughout their lives—as caregivers, spouses, and community anchors. When these social bonds weaken or disappear, the ripple effects on physical health, including diet, become evident.
As Canada’s population ages, Dr. Conklin stresses the need for more tailored and evidence-based approaches to health promotion. “We hope these findings will inform policies around social prescribing and care planning for older adults,” she said. “Telling someone to simply ‘get out and socialise’ is not enough. We need to offer meaningful guidance about which types of activities support healthier lifestyles, and ensure that these recommendations are sensitive to gender and individual contexts.” The implications of this work reach beyond individual choices and speak to the broader societal infrastructure needed to support well-being in later life.
More information: Annalijn Conklin et al, Gender, Adverse Changes in Social Engagement and Risk of Unhealthy Eating: A Prospective Cohort Study of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (2011–2021), Nutrients. DOI: 10.3390/nu17061005
Journal information: Nutrients Provided by University of British Columbia
