Motivators, Barriers and Other Factors Related to Bean Consumption in Older Adults

Beans are nutrient-dense and can reduce risk of chronic diseases. This is relevant to older adults who can benefit from consuming beans to reduce their elevated chronic disease risk. This study explored bean consumption in older adults (≥65 years) using mixed-methods including a researcher-administered questionnaire (n = 250) and focus groups (n = 49). Prevalence of bean consumption (daily or weekly) was 51.2%. Motivators to bean consumption were significantly more likely among bean consumers with the top three including nutritional value, taste/texture and versatility, which were also predictors of consuming beans (OR = 3.54, 2.72, and 4.24, respectively). Conversely, barriers to bean consumption were significantly more likely among bean non-consumers with the top three including not part of traditional diet/do not think to include beans in meals, flatulence/abdominal discomfort and lack of knowledge about preparation/cooking, which were also predictors of not consuming beans (OR = 3.85, 2.26, and 5.08, respectively). This research will inform dietary strategies to increase bean consumption.