The Mediterranean diet among British older adults: Its understanding, acceptability and the feasibility of a randomised brief intervention with two levels of dietary advice

•Two studies were undertaken to assess understanding, acceptability and preference for two graphical displays of the Mediterranean diet and the feasibility of its implementation and cost of adherence among British older adults.•No differences in preference for a Mediterranean diet plate or pyramid graphical display were observed.•Promotion of the Mediterranean diet was acceptable among healthy British older adults.•Adoption of the Mediterranean diet did not lead to significantly greater food costs.

ObjectivesTo assess (i) understanding, acceptability and preference for two graphical displays of the Mediterranean diet (MD); and (ii) feasibility of a brief MD intervention and cost of adherence to this diet among British older adults.DesignTwo studies undertaken at the Human Nutrition Research Centre, Newcastle University are reported. In study-1, preference and understanding of the MD guidelines and two graphical displays, a plate and a pyramid, were evaluated in an educational group session (EGS). In study-2, we evaluated the feasibility of a three-week brief MD intervention with two levels of dietary advice: Group-1 (level 1) attended an EGS on the MD, and Group-2 (level 2) attended an EGS and received additional support. MD adherence using a 9-point score, and the cost of food intake during intervention, were assessed.Results Study-1No differences in preference for a MD plate or pyramid were observed. Both graphic displays were rated as acceptable and conveyed clearly these guidelines.Study-2The intervention was rated as acceptable. No significant differences were observed between groups 1 and 2. Analysis of the combined sample showed significant increases from baseline in fish intake (P = 0.01) and MD score (P = 0.05). The cost of food intake during intervention was not significantly different from baseline.ConclusionBritish older adults rated a MD as an acceptable model of healthy eating, and a plate and a pyramid as comprehensible graphic displays of these guidelines. A brief dietary intervention was also acceptable and revealed that greater adherence to the MD could be achieved without incurring significantly greater costs.