Association Between Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Physical Activity in Elderly Men: A Comparative Study Between Iran and Spain

Mojgan  Banihashemi; Marefat  Siahkouhian; Hadi  Nobari; Rafael  Oliveira

doi:10.18502/ehj.v11i2.20710

Mojgan Banihashemi Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Physiology, University of Mohaghegh Ardebili, Ardebil, Iran
Marefat Siahkouhian Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Physiology, University of Mohaghegh Ardebili, Ardebil, Iran
Hadi Nobari Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Physiology, University of Mohaghegh Ardebili, Ardebil, Iran
Rafael Oliveira Sports Science School of Rio Maior–Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ehj.v11i2.20710

Keywords: Mediterranean Diet, Physical Activity, Elderly Men

Abstract

Introduction: The elderly population is increasing worldwide, highlighting the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors such as nutritious eating and regular physical activity (PA). The Mediterranean-style dietary pattern (MDP) is recognized for its health-promoting nutritional profile. This study examines the association between MDP adherence and PA levels in elderly men from Iran and Spain.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly individuals aged 60 years and older in Iran and Spain (n = 1200). Adherence to the MDP was evaluated using a validated Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener. PA levels were assessed using the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity questionnaire. Additional demographic and anthropometric data—including age, sex, weight, and height—were also collected.

Results: Among Iranian elderly participants, vigorous PA showed a significant positive association with adherence to the MDP (β = 0.143, p = 0.001). No significant associations were observed for light (β = 0.055, p = 0.178) or moderate (β = −0.003, p = 0.934) physical activity. Among Spanish elderly participants, adherence to the MDP was significantly associated with both vigorous (β = 0.241, p < 0.001) and light (β = 0.112, p = 0.004) PA, while moderate activity showed no significant relationship (β = 0.007, p = 0.987).

Conclusion: Adherence to the MDP is positively associated with higher levels of vigorous PA in elderly men from both Iran and Spain, and with light PA among Spanish participants. These findings highlight the role of lifestyle behaviors—particularly diet and PA —in shaping health-related patterns in older adults, and emphasize the importance of promoting MDP alongside regular PA