Hábitos alimentarios, estado nutricional y estilos de vida en adultos mayores activos de la ciudad de Chillán, Chile

Abstract

Aging is a public health issue that is becoming more relevant because eating habits and nutritional status are crucial in the lifestyle of seniors. The purpose of this work was to determine the eating habits, nutritional status, physical activity and lifestyle of active seniors belonging to three organized community groups in Chillán, Chile. This was a quantitative cross-sectional study that included 183 seniors. Eating habits and physical activity data were obtained using the Food-based Dietary Guidelines (Guías Alimentarias Basadas en los Alimentos, GABA). Evaluation of nutritional status was performed by anthropometry and BMI; lifestyle was evaluated with the FANTASTICO questionnaire. Data were analyzed by univariate and bivariate descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test using STATA 12.0 software at α=0.05. A total of 65% and 32% of seniors had 3 and 4 daily mealtimes, respectively. On average, they consumed 5 portions of fruit and vegetables (60%), 1 portion of dairy products (87%), legumes (95%), and fish (90%). Daily water consumption was 6 to 8 glasses for 46% of seniors and 80% added salt to their meals and 42% did not consume saturated fats. All seniors (100%) had some type of physical activity and 96% classified their lifestyle as good or very good. Their nutritional status was mostly normal (52%) and related to the intake of dairy products (p=0,027). The active participation of seniors in organized community groups is a health-protective factor that promotes healthy lifestyles related to eating, physical activity, and an appropriate nutritional status, all of which stimulate healthy or successful aging.