Feeding among older people. What is the contribution of domestic food environments?

Authors

  • Claudia Troncoso-Pantoja Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Chile
  • Verónica Gómez-Fernández Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Chile

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.41.03.980.861

Keywords:

Aged, diet, social anthropology of food, environment, healthy diet, food social space

Abstract

Introduction: Domestic food environments are the primary settings for the socialization of food. These environments are closely intertwined with individual life trajectories. However, in the case of older people, they are reevaluated in terms of their biological, psychological, and social significance.

Objective: To critically reflect on the feeding habits of the elderly and their contributions to domestic food environments.

Material and methods: Through a bibliographic search in various databases, a reflection was conducted to systematically describe, generate ideas, and raise concerns about the object of study.

Results: The diet of today's elderly people is not very different from globalized dietary patterns. That is, it involves food consumption or culinary preparations with high energy density, resulting in a positive energy balance. Faced with this reality, home-cooked meals re-emerge as an opportunity for healthy eating that is recognized and valued, especially by individuals in the final stage of their lives. In domestic food environments, emotions, health care, and other aspects are intertwined, allowing homemade food to be seen as a biopsychosocial element that enhances the well-being of the elderly.

Conclusions: Food from home food environments enhances the well-being of older adults, while also presenting an opportunity for gerontological teams, as this demographic values home-cooked meals, leading to a healthier lifestyle for both them and their social circle.

Author Biographies

Claudia Troncoso-Pantoja, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Chile

Nutricionista. Licenciada en Nutrición y Dietética. Ph.D. en Investigación Gerontológica. Magíster en Gerontología. Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción (Chile). Vicerrectoría de Investigación e Innovación, Universidad Arturo Prat (Chile). ctroncosop@ucsc.cl. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8433-5750

Verónica Gómez-Fernández, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Chile

Trabajadora Social. Magíster en Ciencias de la Familia. Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción (Chile). vegomez@ucsc.cl. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0849-4757

Published

2025-08-26

How to Cite

Troncoso-Pantoja, C., & Gómez-Fernández, V. (2025). Feeding among older people. What is the contribution of domestic food environments?. SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL SALUD UNINORTE, 41(3), 1045–1060. https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.41.03.980.861

Issue

Section

ARTICLES FOR REFLECTION