The relationship between food literacy,adherence to the Mediterranean diet,and successful ageing in University of the Third Age (U3A) students

Abstract

Introduction

Food literacy is increasingly recognized as an important determinant of healthy aging; however, its relationship with adherence to the Mediterranean diet and successful aging remains insufficiently explored, particularly among older adults participating in lifelong learning programs. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between food literacy, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and successful aging among University of the Third Age (U3A) students.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2024 and February 2025 with 120 individuals aged $\ge$ 60 years attending the U3A at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics and dietary habits, the Self-Perceived Food Literacy Scale (SPFL), the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), and the Successful Aging Scale (SAS). Linear regression analyses were performed.

Results

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was positively associated with food literacy in the simple model (β = 0.202, p = 0.027). Successful aging showed a stronger association (β = 0.485, p < 0.001). In the multiple model, successful aging remained significant (β = 0.452, p < 0.001), while BMI was negatively associated (β = −214, p = 0.007). The association between MEDAS and food literacy was not significant after adjustment.

Conclusions

Successful aging was more strongly associated with food literacy than with adherence to the Mediterranean diet. While MEDAS showed a significant association in the unadjusted model, this association did not remain after adjustment. These findings suggest the potential importance of multidimensional approaches to promoting healthy aging.