Abstract

AMARAL, Teresa F et al. NUTRITION UP 65: Nutritional Strategies Facing an Older Demography: Framework and Methodological Considerations. Acta Port Nutr [online]. 2016, n.5, pp.8-11. ISSN 2183-5985.  https://doi.org/10.21011/apn.2016.0502.

Introduction: Portuguese population is ageing and little is known about the nutritional status of the elderly. Moreover, the scarce available data reveals that health professionals as well as caregivers may benefit from advanced knowledge on nutrition. Objectives: Nutrition UP 65 aims (1) to improve knowledge regarding Portuguese older adults’ nutritional status (specifically on undernutrition, sarcopenia, frailty, obesity, hydration and vitamin D) and (2) to empower health professionals and caregivers when dealing with older adults’ nutritional status. Methodology: A cluster sampling approach was used, representing Portuguese older adults’ population structure according to age, sex, education level and regional area (NUTS II). Socio-demographic, clinical and anthropometric data were collected. Hydration and vitamin D status was assessed. Health professionals and caregivers received educational sessions regarding nutrition in the elderly. Results: Data on 1500 older adults were gathered from December 2015 to June 2016. Results will be disseminated nationally and internationally. Conclusions: Nutrition UP 65 project findings will provide an evidence-based solution for implementing nutritional guidelines to monitor the nutritional status of Portuguese elderly. Health professionals and caregivers will become more qualified to respond to nutrition-related health problems.

Keywords : Nutritional knowledge; Nutritional status; Nutrition UP 65; Older adults.

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