Caracterização de idosos que participam de um grupo assistencial no município de Rio Tinto - PB.

Abstract

The number of elderly in Brazil is growing an accelerated rate. That is explained mainly by high life expectancy, low birth rate and technological advances in health. The aging process involves many changes of physical, mental and metabolic level. Concomitant with this, this phase is more favorable to the development of DCNT, from an unsuitable lifestyle and poor eating habits. Therefore, the aim of this work is to characterize the elderly participating in an assistance group in the city of Rio Tinto- PB in order to identify possible inadequacies of lifestyle and food. Data were collected during the achievements of the group's activities. The elderly were informed about the research objectives and signed a free and informed consent. Questionnaires were applied to socioeconomic and clinical approach of the study population. We made assessment of nutritional status by measuring some anthropometric measurements. To knowledge of breastfeeding practices a food frequency questionnaire was applied. We observe the predominance of females (100%) with a mean age 70.42 ± 6.78 years, ranging from 60 to 91 years. Most were widows (42.11%) and had completed elementary school (57.89%). Family income prevailed for those receiving up to 2 minimum wages (50.00%). 92.11% of the group did not mention drinking alcohol and 97.37% did not smoke. In nutritional assessment in relation to BMI, there was a prevalence of overweight (57.89%). The mean waist circumference was 95 ± 11,32cm and most participants presented a risk for CVD, according to the WHR (86.84%). In relation to the clinical situation, there is a high prevalence of hypertension (60.53%), followed by dyslipidemia (36.84%) and diabetes (31.58%). As feeding practices, most participants ate four meals (44.74%). The preferred older consume skim milk (31.58%) over the full; daily consumed meat (94.74%), fruits (76.32%) and vegetables (63.16%). Half of the respondents preferred to use vegetable oil and 44.74% did not consume oil. There was preference for the consumption of refined grains (47.37%). Tubers (94.74%) and legumes (84.21%) occupied a prominent place in the daily diet. 34.21% and 42.11% of the elderly rarely ate sweets and soft drinks daily, respectively. Coffee occupied a prominent place, with a daily intake of 89.47%. The use of light / diet or shakes product was not relevant. It is essential to investigate the feeding behavior of groups because they can reflect on their nutritional and health status. The implementation of strategies and educational activities helps in enabling change in lifestyle and ensuring better quality of life.