O que dizem os estudos sobre alimentação saudável para a população idosa brasileira?

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the national scientific production regarding the different perspectives on proper and healthy eating of the elderly. A systematic literature review was performed in the LILACS, SciELO, PUBMED and BVS databases. Descriptors were adopted in Portuguese and English indexed to the system of Descriptors in Health Science (DeCS), such as “Aged” and “Idoso” referring to the studied public, associated with terms referring to the theme of the study “Feeding”, “Alimentação”, “Healthy Diet”, “Dieta Saudável”, “Feeding Behavior”, “Comportamento Alimentar”, “Food and Nutrition Security” e “Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional”. After the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 31 articles were analyzed. As a result, categories of analysis were classified from the main outcome of each article, which obtained 4 categories: consumption of fruits and vegetables and others; nutrient intake; food and nutrition security; symbolic values and self-perception about food. It is concluded that healthy eating in the elderly has been researched in several ways. Where, the reflection on these categories, are enriching the notion of healthy eating. Future perspectives are expected to develop further studies for better analysis of this theme in Brazilian elderly.