Expectativa alimentar de idosos do Parque Independência: elucidação pelo grupo focal

Abstract

Nowadays population aging is a worldwide phenomenon. The elderly population in Brazil is undergoing an intense process of growth that is linked to improvements in health parameters, such as health care support. It is necessary to maintain adequate nutritional status and a balanced diet for a healthy aging. The nutritional status can be evaluated through the body mass index (BMI) rating. It is important to know the eating habits of the elderly, because an improper diet can lead to complications related to non transmissible chronic diseases, causing health risks. The aim of this work was to investigate the opinion and expectations of the elderly as food consumers, through the focus group technique. This is an exploratory qualitative approach, in order to meet the dietary habits of an elderly population in the city of Medianeira state of Paraná. Data pointed out that more than half of the participants studied are obese. This study demonstrated that the elderly find in the supermarket food products which are beneficial to health and also evaluate them with high prices. These participants also maintain a regular diet with natural foods, as fruits and vegetables. It was noted that they have difficulties in relation to supermarket shelves mainly through their height, and eyesight difficulty. The study showed that this population does not pay attention to food labels, due to factors such as lack of interest and the difficulty in viewing the source font. With respect to the availability of fruits and vegetables in the supermarkets, the participants were satisfied with the variety of these foods. Among the suggestions for improvements of the products consumed daily, they mentioned aspects as the quality of food available in supermarkets, especially in relation to the attribute of flavor.