[Low intake of dietary fibers among the elderly: 2014/2015 ISACAMP population-based study]

High Prevalence of Energy and Nutrients Inadequacy among Brazilian Older Adults

Poor nutrition increases the risk of diseases and adverse health outcomes in older adults. We evaluated the potential inadequacy of nutrient intake among older adults in Brazil and its association with body anthropometry and composition outcomes. Dietary intake was obtained from 295 community-living older adults (>60 years old), of both genders, using a seven-day food record. Nutrient inadequacy was further identified based on the Dietary Reference Intakes and European Guidelines. Skeletal muscle mass (SM), strength and performance, and the diagnosis of sarcopenia were assessed using reference methods. Nutritional inadequacy was high, with energy, dietary fiber, and six micronutrients exhibiting the greatest inadequacy levels (>80%). Energy intake was correlated with SM strength (p = 0.000) and performance (p = 0.001). Inadequate energy, fiber, and protein intakes influenced BMI, while inadequate intake of vitamin B6 directly affected the diagnosis of sarcopenia (p ≤ 0.005). Further research is required to investigate whether these inadequacies can be associated with other clinical health outcomes.

Factors associated with added sugar consumption of older adults from the region of Campinas-SP, Brazil

Adequate nutrition has a profound impact on older adults' health. Therefore, special attention should be given to the dietetic intake of added sugars, which in excess is associated with poorer control of chronic diseases in this phase. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of consumption of added sugars in older adults in the Campinas-SP region, its associated factors, and its main dietary sources. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the region of Campinas-SP, with a convenience sample of 586 older individuals. Intake was obtained using two 24-hour food recalls, and values >5% of total energy consumption were considered inadequate. The contribution of the groups and foods in relation to the total content of sugars was also calculated. A critical level of p<0.05 was considered. The average intake of added sugars was higher than recommended (7.0%), and this inadequacy was observed in more than half of the sample, being table sugar and honey the main dietary sources. The prevalence of inadequate consumption was higher among women (69.8%; p=0.004) and individuals with low weight (83.7%; p=0.014), and lower in those with diabetes (47.8%; p<0.001). Results indicate that health and nutrition actions should be developed to ensure adequate sugar intake at this stage.

Associação entre atividade física de lazer e conhecimento e participação em programas públicos de atividade física entre idosos brasileiros

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a prevalência da atividade física de lazer entre idosos brasileiros e sua associação com conhecimento e participação em programas públicos de promoção dessa prática. Método Estudo transversal com dados de 11.177 pessoas idosas entrevistadas na Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013. A variável resposta foi a prática de atividade física de lazer. As variáveis explicativas foram conhecimento e participação em programas públicos de promoção de atividade física, características sociodemográficas e de estilo de vida. A associação bruta e ajustada foi estimada pela regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. Resultados A maioria das pessoas idosas era do sexo feminino e tinha entre 60 e 69 anos; 17% conheciam, mas não participavam dos programas públicos de promoção de atividade física e somente 3,2% conheciam e participavam. A prevalência de ativos no lazer foi de 13,3%, e na análise ajustada, foi maior entre as pessoas idosas que conheciam, mas não participavam e conheciam e participavam de programas públicos de promoção a atividade física, nos homens, na faixa etária de 60 a 69 anos, com 12 anos ou mais de escolaridade; das regiões Nordeste e Centro-Oeste, com 2 doenças crônicas, que realizaram três ou mais consultas médicas nos 12 últimos meses e consumiam frutas e hortaliças cinco ou mais dias por semana. Conclusão O estudo mostrou uma baixa adesão das pessoas idosas à prática de atividade física, e pouco conhecimento e participação em programas públicos. Esforços são necessários para ampliar a divulgação desses programas, promover o envolvimento da população nessas práticas e contribuir para o envelhecimento ativo.