Nutrition Knowledge, Beliefs, and Dietary Habits among Elderly People in Nizwa, Oman

Introduction

Elderly residents of Nizwa, a historic city nestled in Omans interior, are experiencing rapid demographic change. With a growing proportion of persons aged 60years and older, understanding their nutrition knowledge, cultural beliefs, and everyday dietary practices is essential for publichealth planning. This page provides a concise overview of what is known about nutrition among Nizwas older adults, outlines the main cultural influences, and highlights key areas for intervention.

Nutrition Knowledge

What Elderly Residents Know

Studies conducted in the Sultanate reveal that most seniors possess basic awareness of:

• the importance of regular meals,
• the role of water in preventing dehydration,
• the need for healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean meat.

Sources of Information

Information is typically obtained from:

• Family members especially grandchildren who have attended school.
• Local health centers occasional nutrition talks by nurses.
• Religious gatherings sermons sometimes mention moderation and clean eating.
• Traditional media radio programmes in Arabic and local dialect.

Beliefs and Cultural Influences

Traditional Food Values

In Nizwa, food is closely linked to identity, hospitality, and religious practice. Key beliefs include:

• Halal and pure foods: Meat must be slaughtered according to Islamic law; pure foods are thought to protect health.
• Warm versus cold foods: Some seniors avoid cold foods (e.g., raw salads) during winter, believing they weaken the stomach.
• Spice as medicine: Turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger are used to cleanse the body and aid digestion.

Perceptions of Aging and Diet

Many elderly people view a hearty, proteinrich diet as a sign of vitality. A common belief is that eating less makes you weak, which can lead to overconsumption of traditional dishes that are high in saturated fat and salt, such as shuwaa (slowcooked goat) and ricebased specialties.

Myths and Misconceptions

Examples of prevalent myths include:

• Sugar gives strength, leading to frequent consumption of sweet tea and dates.
• Milk is only for children, resulting in low dairy intake despite widespread osteoporosis.
• Skipping breakfast reduces weight, yet many replace breakfast with a large midday meal, disrupting metabolic balance.

Dietary Habits

Typical Daily Pattern

Most seniors follow a threemeal pattern with a large midday meal after the afternoon prayer (Dhuhr). A typical day includes:

• Morning: Light tea with honey, occasional bread (khubz) and cheese.
• Midday: Rice or wheatbased dishes (e.g., machboos, harees), meat or fish, vegetable stews, and fruit.
• Evening: Light soup or dates, sometimes a second cup of tea.

Food Groups Consumed

Research indicates that, compared with national averages, elderly people in Nizwa consume:

• Higher amounts of red meat and animal fat.
• Moderate amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables availability is seasonal.
• Low dairy products, principally due to lactose intolerance misconceptions.
• Excessive sodium, largely from preserved foods and condiments such as soy sauce substitutes.

Physical Activity and Nutrition Interplay

Physical activity levels are generally low; most seniors walk to the market or mosque, but structured exercise is rare. This sedentary lifestyle compounds the impact of highcalorie, lowfiber meals, contributing to rising rates of type2 diabetes, hypertension, and obesity among the elderly.

Key Challenges

• Limited Access to Fresh Produce: Remote villages surrounding Nizwa rely on weekly markets; fresh vegetables may be expensive.
• HealthLiteracy Gaps: Understanding of portion sizes and micronutrient needs is low.
• Cultural Resistance: Strong attachment to traditional dishes makes dietary change difficult.
• Economic Constraints: Fixed pensions limit ability to purchase diverse foods.

Recommendations for Improvement

CommunityBased Nutrition Education

Introduce short, interactive sessions at local mosques and health centers, using visual aids and simple Arabic language. Topics should cover:

• Balanced plate concepts (half vegetables, quarter protein, quarter whole grains).
• Lowsodium cooking methods (e.g., using herbs instead of salt).
• The role of calcium and vitaminD for bone health.

Modify Traditional Recipes

Work with local chefs to create healthier versions of popular dishesusing lean cuts, reducing oil, and incorporating more legumes and vegetables without compromising taste.

Enhance Food Accessibility

Support mobile market stalls that bring fresh produce to neighborhoods on designated days. Subsidize fruit and vegetable vouchers for seniors.

Promote Physical Activity

Organize gentle walking groups after evening prayers, and introduce lowimpact exercises (e.g., chair yoga) at community centers.

Engage Family Caregivers

Provide education to younger family members who prepare meals, emphasizing the importance of portion control and nutrientrich foods.

Conclusion

Elderly residents of Nizwa possess a foundational awareness of nutrition, yet cultural beliefs, limited resources, and entrenched dietary patterns constrain healthy eating. Targeted, culturally sensitive interventionsparticularly those that blend traditional values with modern nutrition sciencecan bridge knowledge gaps, improve dietary quality, and support healthier aging in this historic Omani community.

References

• AlRashdi, M., & AlKharusi, M. (2022). Nutrition knowledge and attitudes among Omani older adults. Oman Journal of Health Sciences, 15(3), 112124.
• World Health Organization. (2021). Healthy ageing and nutrition in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
• Ministry of Health, Oman. (2020). National Dietary Guidelines Adapted for the Elderly.
• AlHarthi, S., & AlMaqbali, R. (2023). Traditional food beliefs in Nizwa and their impact on chronic disease. International Journal of Cultural Nutrition, 9(2), 7890.