Envelhecimento e consumo de alimentos: caracterização de uma amostra de pessoas idosas

Abstract

Objective: Identify eating habits, sociodemographic variables, nutritional status, and the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases in older adults. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with convenience sampling with elderly of both genders. The sociodemographic aspects included were age, marital status, sex, education, and income. To investigate eating behaviors, we carried out a survey with questions about consumption of fresh and ultra-processed food. Nutritional status was categorized based on body mass index. Results: 93 people have participated (69 women) with an average age of 67.3±5.8 years. The results indicated that 66.7% of women and 62.5% of men have informed daily consumption of fruits and 37.5% and 42% of milk; 12.5% of men and 7.2% of women have indicated daily consumption of ultra-processed foods; daily meat consumption was higher among men (70.8%) compared to women (55.1%); the consumption of soft drinks on the previous day was 20.8% and 10.1%, for men and women, respectively. The predominant nutritional status was eutrophic (58.3% of men and 44.9% of women), followed by excess weight (37.5% of men and 37.7% of women). Finally, 75% and 81.2% of men and women reported at least one chronic disease. Conclusion: We found a greater frequency of consumption of fresh and/or minimally processed foods to the detriment of ultra-processed foods. However, Food and Nutritional Education actions can contribute to the consolidation of balanced food choices and/or to awaken interest in food care, which will have an impact on the prevention of diet-related diseases and health promotion.