A new study from the University of British Columbia has found that older Canadian women who are socially isolated over time are more likely to have poorer diets, particularly falling short on fruit and vegetable intake. The research, led by Dr. Annalijn Conklin from UBC’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, analyzed data from over 30,000 adults tracked through the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. It showed that long-term social patterns—not just brief moments of isolation—can significantly impact diet quality in later life.
Dr. Conklin emphasized that not all social activity has the same effect. Women who consistently participated in a range of meaningful activities, such as visiting friends, volunteering, or attending educational events, tended to eat healthier. Conversely, those who stopped engaging or became isolated saw declines in their diet, even if they later resumed social interactions.
“It’s not just about being busy—it’s about being meaningfully connected,” said Dr. Conklin. The findings highlight the importance of considering social variety in health interventions for aging populations.