Older adults' evaluation of a nutrition newsletter

Newsletters (NL) are increasingly common vehicles for conveying health and nutrition information, but there is sparse information on their acceptance by readers. This study was conducted to assess older adults' opinions about an age-targeted NL and characteristics associated with their opinions A nationwide sample (n=210) of men and women ages > 55 y was recruited through random digit dialing. Following a telephone call to obtain demographic, health and nutrition-related data, subjects were sent the NL A follow-up call asked their opinion of the evaluation variables: appearance, content, and interest in receiving future issues. One hundred and seventytwo subjects received the NL and completed both interviews. Mean ratings for the 3 NL evaluation variables were 36.57±2.72 and 33.98±4.46 out of a possible 45 for appearance and future interest, and 48.72±7.12 out of 65 for the content variable. Little of the variation in opinions about either appearance or content was explained by study variables (R²=.125 and R²=071, respectively), but 23% of the variation in future interest was explained. More likely to be interested were: women, those interested in nutrition, those who read a lot and those less likely to believe their health is due to chance. The data suggest that response of older adults to a nutrition NL can be positive; future work must address its effectiveness as a medium for health education. Funded in part by the Howard Heinz Endowment.