A national investigation of the roles of genetics, social, emotional, and environmental factors as determinants of nutrition and cardio-metabolic health among elderly adults in Canada

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in Canada. Genetics have been recognized as a risk factor and since many genetic variants have been identified as important, genetic risk scores have been created that combine all of the important variants. These genetic risk scores have not been examined in elderly individuals, but it is important to evaluate how these scores relate with health outcomes in older adults to ensure proper clinical use. Non-genetic factors including social support, emotional well-being and food access are also known to influence nutrition and health among the elderly. This study will evaluate how genetic and non-genetic factors may work together to influence chronic disease risk among elderly adults.