Características e fatores de comportamento alimentar de pessoas idosas longevas e não longevas

Abstract

The increase in population life expectancy has led to accelerated global aging and an increase in the number of long-lived people. Aging is a major risk factor for the development of chronic non-communicable diseases. A healthy lifestyle, with emphasis on adequate nutrition, contributes to the prevention and reduction of complications from these diseases, contributing to longevity and an increase in the number of years lived in good health. Analyzing the eating behavior of long-lived and non-long-lived elderly people and understanding their reasons for making food choices becomes relevant, since the literature related to the food choices of this group is still little explored. Thus, this study aimed to compare characteristics and factors of eating behavior between long-lived and non-long-lived elderly people, in addition to their selfperception of health. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, exploratory study of a qualitative and quantitative (mixed concomitant) nature. Data collection took place in the city of Poços de Caldas (MG). A total of 101 long-lived and 101 non-long-lived elderly people participated in the study. The quantitative assessment was performed by collecting demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical data, anthropometric measurements, and assessing the reasons for food choices using the Food Choice Questionnaire, as well as habits and lifestyle. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical analyses, with a significance level of 5%, in addition to a correlation test. The qualitative analysis was performed using a recorded interview, using guiding questions, with the aim of evaluating the participants' perception of longevity and its relationship with food. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Among the oldest-old, the average age was 87.8±2.8 years, and among the non-old-old, it was 64.6±2.9 years, with 56.4% and 54.5% of the participants, respectively, identifying as women. Both groups presented negative self-perception of health and a worsening of their current health status in relation to one year ago. Regarding the most important reasons for food choice, both among long-lived and non-long-lived elderly people, price and sensory appeal were considered the most important. Among all the reasons for food choice compared between long-lived and non-long-lived individuals, only mood showed a statistically significant difference. The evaluation of the reasons for food choice among nonlong-lived individuals according to gender showed no difference except for health, mood and price. Among long-lived individuals according to gender, the reasons for choice showed significant differences for health, mood, sensory appeal, natural content, weight control, familiarity and ethical concern. Regarding the perception of long-lived and non-long-lived elderly people regarding longevity and its relationship with food, the same themes were identified in both samples (adequate nutrition, multicausality, fatalism and absolute value), although the subthemes demonstrate differences between the groups. The association between the results found can contribute to future research and intervention strategies, with a view to improving the quality of life and health through food among elderly people.