Limitações e aspectos promotores para a alimentação saudável em pessoas idosas: uma revisão de literatura narrativa

Abstract

Aging is a natural process of human life that occurs differently for each individual. The challenges of this stage become more evident with population aging, especially regarding food, which is influenced by changes in the digestive process and in the functional capacity of older adults. Healthy and balanced eating plays an essential role in maintaining tissue nutrition and body functioning, ensuring better quality of life. This narrative literature review aimed to describe and identify the main limitations and factors that promote healthy eating among older adults. The search for articles was carried out in the SciELO and CAPES Journal databases, using the descriptors “older adults AND eating habits,” “older adults AND nutritionist,” “older adults AND eating behavior,” “older adults AND income,” “older adults AND mastication,” “older adults AND caregivers,” and “older adults AND autonomy.” Studies from the last 11 years identified economic, social, and physiological aspects as barriers, including tooth loss or absence, sensory and cognitive changes. In contrast, social and family support, autonomy, the work of health professionals, physical activity, care, and the effectiveness of public policies were identified as facilitators for adequate eating habits. It is concluded that eating behavior is multifactorial, requiring a critical approach and attention to both health and the dietary practices of older adults. Keywords: nutritional habits; elderly people; nutrition.