Analysis of interdisciplinary relationships of nutrition and housing in three professional journals : Journal of nutrition in gerontology and geriatrics, Journal of housing for the elderly, and Family and consumer science research journal

Abstract

Nutrition and housing are both fields under the umbrella of Family and Consumer Sciences. Nutrition research has extensively studied factors that influence nutritional intake in the elderly. Inadequate nutritional intake in the elderly has been previously found to lead to early long term care placement. Housing research has reviewed home modifications and universal design to help the elderly age in place. Little is known about the extent of collaboration between the two research fields. Research in this paper was conducted through a content analysis of the Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology, and Geriatrics, the Journal of Housing for the Elderly and the Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal. Results of the content analysis show little interdisciplinary collaboration between the fields to help the elderly stay in their homes longer. More research is needed to determine how kitchen layouts and designs can improve the elderly’s nutrition intake.