Objective food store access was associated with calcium intake among older Japanese adults: a cross-sectional analysis from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study at Taisetsu Community Hokkaido.

Preventing osteoporosis in older populations is important for extending healthy life expectancy. Calcium is a crucial nutrient for maintaining bone health in this group. However, more than half of people aged ≥ 65 years have insufficient calcium intake. We investigated the influence of food store access on calcium intake in community-dwelling older adults. Our study employed a population-based cross-sectional design, using data from older adults aged 70-74 years living in three towns in northern Japan. Perceived food store access was assessed using a single question, while objective food store access was measured using a geographic information system. Dietary information was obtained using a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Insufficient calcium intake was defined as calcium consumption below the estimated average requirement for the participant's age and sex. A log-binomial regression analysis was performed to determine the association between food store access and insufficient calcium intake. A total of 716 participants (mean age, 71.8 ± 1.4 years; 55.3% women) were included in this study. After adjusting for potential confounders, low objective food store access was associated with insufficient calcium intake (adjusted prevalence ratio for low vs high accessibility, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.46). However, the perceived food store access was not associated with insufficient calcium intake. Our findings showed that low objective food store access is associated with insufficient calcium intake among independent older Japanese adults. Improving access to food stores may help prevent insufficient calcium intake in this population.