NUTRITIONAL CARE FOR ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES

Introductions and Objectives: High rates of overweight and obesity, sedentary behaviour and increase of life expectancy are the main factors for high incidence and prevalence of Diabetes and Hypertension in the elderly population. Therefore, diet is a crucial element on prevention and treatment. This study focused on a group of elderly patients affected by these conditions, that are assisted by a Basic Healthcare Unit (UBS) in Jardim Niterói, São Paulo. The objective was to promote an active intervention of nutritional care for Diabetes and Hypertension. Methods: An active search was performed for patients above 60 years old affected by Diabetes and/or Hypertension, in the region of UBS Jardim Niterói. During the search, patients were invited to a meeting, where they would participate on group dynamics and conversations about nutrition and cooking. At the meeting, the participants were offered healthy snacks, made with appropriate ingredients for their health condition, along with information of how to prepare them. Also, participants were invited to play a Bingo game, which the prize was a food basket and a recipe book. Results and Conclusions: The meeting had a total of 16 participants, which were all very engaged on the conversations and group dynamics, presenting a series of questions related to their condition and their lifestyle. After the meeting, they felt more confident and motivated to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle. Therefore, it is possible to affirm that adequate orientation along with close nutritional care are effective on improving outcome of these conditions.