Fruit and vegetable intake among elderly people in Bangkok

Fruits and vegetables are vital for a healthy life. Loaded with essential micronutrients and powerful antioxidants, they help to protect our bodies from chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer, and support a robust immune system. In contrast however, studies have shown that low fruit and vegetable intake is a significant public health concern, and the elderly are a population group particularly at risk. WorldVeg therefore conducted a study to examine fruit and vegetable intake among seniors (aged 60 and above) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Published in the American Journal of Health Behavior, it identified low fruit and vegetable consumption and analyzed the reasons for this. A unique element of the research was that it looked at psychological factors, in conjunction with social, demographic and environmental factors. Data was collected through a questionnaire survey of 201 elderly people conducted at Buddhist temples and surrounding communities across Bangkok.

The sample had an average age of 69 years and 74% were women. The average daily intake of fruit and vegetables was 267 grams, far below the WHO recommendation of 400 grams considered necessary for good health. The study found that several psychological factors influence fruit and vegetable intake, such as having the explicit intention to eat fruit and vegetables, and seniors who have a stronger intention to eat fruit and vegetables are more likely to do so. While theory suggests that conscious planning is important to translate intention into action, the study showed that planning alone is insufficient. Individuals also need to feel a sense of control to execute their plan (called ‘action control’), feel confident in their ability to maintain the behavior over time (called ‘maintenance self-efficacy’), and recover from setbacks (called ‘recovery self-efficacy’).

Additional drivers identified by the study to increase the intake of fruit and vegetables included eating home-cooked meals, and having a home garden. On the other hand, older age and larger household size were associated with a lower intake. Limited income was also a significant barrier to accessing nutritious food for older adults, particularly in three-generation households where only a few members earn a regular income.

The authors hypothesize that fruit and vegetable intake reduces with age because of a gradual decline in physical activity of people above 60 years of age. Their preference is for softer foods that are easier to swallow and require less chewing, as muscle mass and strength decline with age. Reduced physical mobility can also pose difficulties for seniors in accessing a variety of food options, increasing their dependence on habits and mobile food vendors. Common food vendors typically prepare meals with a higher portion of rice and animal proteins but fewer vegetables. The fact that home gardens contribute to increased intake may not be solely due to the fruit and vegetables these gardens produce, but also because gardening helps to maintain physical strength, and gardeners are more conscious of fruit and vegetables.

The study highlighted the growing need for targeted policies to promote healthy dietary behaviors among senior citizens, especially in urban areas that are aging rapidly. Strategies could include organizing cooking classes, gardening workshops, or small goal-setting training programs for elderly people through senior clubs that promote healthy diets as well as physical activity. However, providers must ensure that such activities are accessible for seniors, given their limited mobility and physical strength. In addition, collaboration with local food vendors could help to improve meal quality for seniors. Next, the researchers are looking at other population groups in Bangkok that are also vulnerable to low fruit and vegetable consumption, including foreign migrants and Buddhist monks.

Suvanbenjakule P, Schreinemachers P. 2025. Drivers of fruit and vegetable intake among seniors in Bangkok, Thailand. American Journal of Health Behavior, 49(2):103-114. https://doi.org/10.5993/AJHB.49.2.10

This study was conducted as part of the CGIAR Resilient Cities Initiative, which has transitioned into the CGIAR Science Program on Food Frontiers and Security. The study received support from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Additional support was received from the CGIAR Science Program on Better Diets and Nutrition.