Effect of a multi-professional program on promoting the food health of the elderly: a longitudinal study

Objective: To analyze the food quality of elderly participants in a multi-professional project for health promotion and healthy longevity. Methodology: 55 older adults aged 60 years (66.03 +/- 3.68 years) residents in the south of Brazil were recruited. However, 28 elderlies dropped out of the interventions. Thus, 27 elderlies were assessed (before and after 12-week interventions). To evaluate food quality, the data from the food record of three non-consecutive days and the healthy eating index (HEI) were used, which were applied before and after interventions. The intervention was developed for three months, with theoretical-practical classes on multidisciplinary groups as physical education, psychology, and nutrition (with food reeducation - without nutrition plan). The mean, (+/-) standard deviation, and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated. The comparison between pre- and post-intervention was performed by paired t-test, assuming a p <= 0.05. Results: After 12 weeks, it was observed that the elderly showed higher values for the HEI after the interventions (pre: 47.78 +/- 14.23 points; 95% CI: 42.41-53.15, versus 56.30 +/- 13.05, 95% CI: 51.37-61.22; with p = 0.029; d = 0.59; medium effect). Conclusions: a multidisciplinary approach including a nutritional intervention could promote positive changes in the food quality of the elderly investigated. As a limitation, the absence of a control group and the conduction of a randomized controlled trial are highlighted. However, this study already promotes directions to provide nutritional health in older people.