Proyecto sobre alimentación saludable en asilados del Centro de Cuidado del Adulto Mayor “San Sebastián”. Riobamba. Chimborazo. Ecuador. Julio-agosto 2022

Abstract

The objective of this study was to implement an Educational Program on Healthy Eating called “Advocate of Healthy Eating” aimed at the elderly people of the "San Sebastián” Elderly Care Center to enhance health knowledge. This research was conducted through a cross-sectional descriptive approach, for which a validated sociodemographic, knowledge, and practices survey was applied. The survey was analyzed according to the results framework. The program was supported by an online marketing strategy, educational materials in digital and physical format, educational interventions, slide presentations, health activities, educational workshops, brochures, infographics, educational videos, a physical education magazine, podcast, educational models on the healthy eating pyramid, healthy meals, water consumption, and healthy breakfast. According to national and intemational standards, this research project raised awareness among people belonging to this priority attention group on promoting healthy eating in older adults and human rights in terms of food. To this end, thirty older adults participated in a validated survey in which sociodemographic characteristics were identified. Knowledge and practices on healthy eating were also diagnosed, which improved knowledge of healthy eating in older adults. It is concluded that implementing the Educational Program improved knowledge about healthy eating. Therefore, the knowledge base on healthy eating is essential for the biopsychosocial well-being of older adults. The continuity of educational programs that take care of the nutrition ofthe elderly and establish contact networks for disseminating knowledge in preventive medicine is recommended.