Enhancing Elderly Nutrition: A Qualitative Evaluation of Menus in a Social Solidarity Institution in the North of Portugal.

Autor: Fonseca SCF; Department of Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.; Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal., Barroso SC; Department of Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal., Santos MCT; Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal.; ProNutri Group-CINTESIS@RISE, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Associate Laboratory RISE-Health Research Network, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Nutrients [Nutrients] 2024 Mar 06; Vol. 16 (5). Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Mar 06.
DOI: 10.3390/nu16050753
Abstrakt: This work addresses the importance of food and nutrition in promoting the health of the elderly population, with a specific focus on the qualitative evaluation of menus provided by a social solidarity institution in Portugal. The aim of this study is to conduct a qualitative evaluation of menus furnished by a social solidarity institution situated in the northern region of Portugal in order to prevent and/or treat malnutrition in the elderly. The methodology involves the evaluation of four weekly menus, totaling 28 complete daily menus for the elderly, using the "Avaliação Qualitativa de Ementas Destinadas a Idosos" (AQEDI) tool. This assessment tool comprises six domains: general items, soup, protein suppliers, carbohydrate suppliers, vegetable suppliers, and dessert, each consisting of various parameters. The findings reveal that all menus were classified as "acceptable," with percentages ranging from 60.73% to 68.84%, and suggest that there exists room for improvement. This study emphasizes the necessity for coordinated efforts within the institution to enhance menu planning, taking into account both nutritional guidelines and sensory aspects of food. Effective coordination within the institution is crucial for maintaining positive aspects and rectifying inadequacies in menu planning.
Databáze: MEDLINE