NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH GUSTATORY PERCEPTION IN THE ELDERLY: A REVIEW

The aging process is characterized as a set of morphological, physiological, biochemical and psychological changes that depend, for the most part, on life history, behaviors, adaptation to the environment and, finally, on genetic factors. This article aims to describe the effects of changes in taste perception and taste in aging and demonstrate, through a literature review, how nutritional changes can affect the elderly. After reviewing the research carried out on the subject, it was possible to verify that this loss of sensitivity in the taste buds leads to a malnutrition situation, for the most part, as there is a lack of motivation in having meals due to the fact that one cannot identify the basic flavors. with so much emphasis.