English summary: CHANGES IN FOOD HABITS AFTER RETIREMENT

Background Our understanding of the effects of retirement on health behaviours is limited. This study aimed to examine changes in healthy food habits after retirement among women and men.

Methods The data were derived from the Helsinki Health Study. The food habits of those who had retired during the follow-up (n=1056, 76% women) were compared to those who had continued working (n=1269, 79 % women). All subjects had been employed at baseline and belonged to the same age group, 55-60 years old. Logistic regression models were applied to examine the associations between retirement and healthy food habits.

Results Prevalence of healthy food habits increased from 41% to 53% among women who retired during follow-up. The corresponding prevalence rates among those who continued working were 39% and 45%. Logistic regression analysis confirmed the difference. After adjusting for baseline food habits the food habits of women who had retired were healthier than in women who had continued working during the follow-up period (OR=1.36 [1.12-1.65]). Sociodemographic factors and health status did not affect this association. Among men, changes in food habits did not vary by employment status and the prevalence of healthy food habits was lower than in women.

Conclusions Food habits were healthier among women after retirement as compared to women who continued working. Food habits among men remained unhealthier than among women even after retirement.