Concepções de alimentação saudável entre idosos na Universidade Aberta da Terceira Idade da UERJ: normas nutricionais, normas do corpo e normas do cotidiano

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to describe a range of comprehensive analyzes of conceptions of healthy nourishment among a group of elderly persons. Nourishment represents a complex overlapping of the biological and the cultural spheres, and as a result ideas of healthy nourishment are defined by both social and psychological guidelines. This study is a selection of analyzes of the conceptions of healthy nourishment of elderly persons attending the University of the Third Age, performed via a qualitative ethnographic approach based on the direct observation of nutrition classes for the elderly. The group displayed a conception of healthy nourishment related to growing old with as few limitations as possible, or in other words, with better health conditions, that allowed the possibility of a range of life experiences. The elderly persons considered healthy food to be "that which doesn't make one ill", as they understood that not all types of food were good for them, that the older body cannot withstand excess eating and that diseases result in dietary restrictions. There was a perception of the difference between body limitations (internal rule) and medical recommendations (external rule). At the same time, practicality was also a determinant in the eating habits of the elderly persons who, in keeping with the pace of modern life "did not have time to waste". There was a consensus among the group that learning about nutrition was necessary in later life, in order to find a balance between scientific knowledge relating to a longer life, the demands of the modern world, the aging of the body and the pleasures of eating.

Personal and behavioral determinants of active aging

“…As to the reasons for desistance, it highlights the perception of security, social support and lack of family encouragement for the practice [29]. In this approach, the implementation of such activities is directly associated with the reduction of functional declines [30].…”

“…The eating habits care in senescence include the search for the balance between the aging body imposition and restrictions arising from some diseases. Thus, before the search for active aging, health food becomes one of the pillars that help the elderly to maintain the good health, allowing the different experiences at maturity [31].…”

A Extensão Universitária como estratégia para a Educação em Saúde com um grupo de idosos

“…No envelhecimento, tanto os cuidados nutricionais são diferentes como também são singulares as concepções do que é saudável ou apropriado para a idade. Os cuidados com a alimentação envolvem uma busca de equilíbrio entre as exigências do corpo envelhecido e as limitações decorrentes de algumas patologias, muitas delas exigindo um controle/tratamento pela alimentação, como a hipertensão, diabetes e doenças coronarianas (Kuwae, 2015).…”

“…Portanto, o envelhecimento está relacionado tanto com as alterações fisiológicas que limitam o repertório alimentar, seja pelas restrições decorrentes de patologias crônicas ou das alterações de mastigação e digestão, como com as condições de mobilidade, autonomia, independência financeira, condições de saúde e da composição familiar (Kuwae, 2015).…”

Análise Sobre Orientações Políticas De Educação Alimentar E Nutricional

“…Adequado a quê ou a quem? Kuwae,11 ao analisar as concepções sobre alimentação saudável em um grupo de idosos, comenta que essa definição passa por categorias culturais e nutricionais e nem sempre essas classificações são convergentes ou utilizam a mesma explicação do que é ou não bom para a saúde.…”