The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it not only a global health crisis but also an unprecedented impact on daily living and health behaviors. While significant attention has been paid to the infection rates and mortality associated with COVID-19, less has been known about its impact on the health-related behaviors of the older population, particularly in developing countries. However, a new cohort study from Brazil has shed light on how healthy older adults have adapted their eating habits in response to the pandemic, offering meaningful insights into the link between nutrition and healthy aging against the backdrop of a global health challenge.
The Study in Detail
The cohort study, published in the Clinical Nutrition ESPEN journal (DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.12.002), led by Marcelle Ferreira Saldanha, Rodrigo Ribeiro Dos Santos, and Ann Kristine Jansen from the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in Brazil, evaluated the energy and nutrient intake, muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in a group of older adults with successful aging before and during the unpredictable times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methodology
The study observed 38 healthy older adults recruited from a Brazilian geriatrics center. These participants were assessed at two time points: the baseline, up to a year prior to the pandemic, and the follow-up, approximately 17 months after the outbreak began. Researchers relied on food recalls and diary records to determine nutrient intake, while muscle mass was measured using anthropometric parameters. Tools such as the Maximum hand-grip strength and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score were used for evaluating physical attributes.
Results of the Study
Remarkably, despite a global decrease in physical activity due to lockdowns, 84% of the participants maintained regular physical activity, albeit the engagement in structured exercises decreased by 50% (p < 0.002). The median age of participants was 87 years, indicating a demographic often considered less adaptable to change, yet, these older adults showed a significant increase in essential nutrients. Specifically, protein intake rose significantly from 52.6 g to 63.9 g, and there were also notable jumps in the consumption of vital micronutrients — vitamin C, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium all saw increases.
These findings are particularly encouraging because they signal an improvement in diet quality, especially during a time when access to fresh food might have been expected to decrease for older adults due to mobility restrictions and supply chain disruptions. Despite the enhanced nutritional intake, no changes in energy intake or other nutrients were evident, and no significant change in anthropometric measures of muscle mass, strength, or physical performance was noted during the study period.
Implications for Healthy Aging
The results of the study hold profound implications for healthy aging. Nutrition is a critical determinant of health, especially in the elderly, where it plays a role in maintaining muscle mass, strength, and overall vitality. The improvements in dietary intake among this cohort of older Brazilians suggest that pandemic-induced lifestyle adjustments did not hinder their ability to maintain a balanced diet, which is central to healthy aging.
Challenges and Considerations
It is important to recognize that the study, while optimistic, does not reflect the situation of all older adults during the pandemic. Access to resources and individual circumstances such as socioeconomic status or previous health conditions may have significantly impacted others’ ability to adapt as successfully.
Conclusion
This study provides an essential contribution to the body of knowledge regarding the dietary patterns and health of older adults in the face of a global crisis. It underscores the resilience and adaptability of healthy older populations, suggesting potential for maintaining dietary quality even in challenging circumstances. Additionally, it presents a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals and policymakers to understand better how to support healthy aging, particularly in the context of unforeseen global challenges.
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2023 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
References
1. Saldanha, M. F., Dos Santos, R. R., & Jansen, A. K. (2024). Energy and nutrient intake in older adults with healthy aging during the Corona Virus Disease 19 pandemic- a cohort study. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 59, 181-187. DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.12.002
2. World Health Organization. (2021). Decade of Healthy Ageing: Baseline Report. Geneva: World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/initiatives/decade-of-healthy-ageing
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Keywords
1. Healthy Aging Nutrition
2. COVID-19 Dietary Impact
3. Older Adults Nutrient Intake
4. Geriatric Health Resilience
5. Pandemic Eating Habits
By incorporating these chosen keywords, the article not only reaches an audience searching for nutrition and health topics related to older adults during and post-pandemic but also those interested in geriatric health resilience and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on eating habits. The emphasis on healthy aging and nutrient intake also optimizes visibility amongst readerships concerned with sustaining health through nutrition.