Abstract
Abstract Objective: To compare the taste sensitivity of adults and elderly people, considering nutritional status, smoking and alcohol consumption. Method: Forty-six volunteers participated in the research, thirteen of whom were adult employees of a company from the food industry and thirty-three of whom were elderly residents of three Long-Term Care Facilities for the Elderly from the Vale do Taquari (Taquari Valley). They responded to a structured questionnaire about their socioeconomic data and use of medication, smoking and alcohol consumption, and underwent a nutritional evaluation and a taste sensitivity test. The taste sensitivity test was applied at three different concentrations for every flavor, with 4 drops dripped on the tongue of the volunteer, who described the level of perceived palatability, giving a score of 0-5. Data was analyzed through statistical analysis using the Statistical Package SPSS 20.0, considering a value of significance of p<0.05. Result: a reduction in the taste sensitivity of the elderly persons was noted for the sweet and sour solutions, in comparison with adults, as the majority of the elderly people demonstrated lower sensitivity scale scores for the citric acid solution in concentration 1 (p=0.004) and concentration 2 (p=0.049) and sucrose in concentration 3 (p=0.026). Conclusion: Elderly people had a lower perception of the sweet and sour flavors than adults. Moreover, nutritional status, gender, alcohol consumption, smoking and medication use were not significantly associated with the taste perception of the individuals evaluated.
Highlights
INTRODUCTIONAccording to the 2010 Demographic Census,[1] the Brazilian population aged 40-59 years was 43,259,335, and 12.1% of Brazilians were aged below 60.2 According to projections for 2050, the elderly portion of Brazilian society will reach 38 million, exceeding the young population.[3]
According to the 2010 Demographic Census,[1] the Brazilian population aged 40-59 years was 43,259,335, and 12.1% of Brazilians were aged below 60.2 According to projections for 2050, the elderly portion of Brazilian society will reach 38 million, exceeding the young population.[3]Aging can be biologically considered to be a morphofunctional involution, variably affecting major physiological systems.[4]
To estimate the weight of elderly persons who were unable to remain in an upright position, the Chumlea et al formula was used, based on arm circumference (AC) and knee height (KH)
Summary
According to the 2010 Demographic Census,[1] the Brazilian population aged 40-59 years was 43,259,335, and 12.1% of Brazilians were aged below 60.2 According to projections for 2050, the elderly portion of Brazilian society will reach 38 million, exceeding the young population.[3]. The reduction of masticatory function may result in malnutrition and an unbalanced diet.[10] During the process of senescence a decline in the perception of smell and taste is common The reduction of these senses can cause a loss of appetite, food monotony, decreased dietary intake and malnutrition.[11] Simchen et al found that taste perception is reduced in individuals older than 65 years.[12] Mojet, Heidema and Christ showed that the taste perception of the five basic flavors in young people aged 19-33 years was more preserved than among those aged 60 to 75 years.[13]. The purpose of this study was to compare the taste sensitivity of adults with that of elderly persons and relate gustatory levels to nutritional status, smoking and alcohol consumption
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