Food is a process that accompanies us throughout life, through which we obtain the nutrients and energy required to meet the body's needs. However, the act of eating, in addition to being a nutritional process, has important connotations of coexistence – the sharing of pleasure, affective relationships, social and religious identification, etc. – which shape eating behaviour and can impact a person's health status.
The different ways of eating in each country are defined by factors such as territory, its traditions, history, and economy. Food is, without a doubt, an element of cultural identification; therefore, it is important to maintain and enhance the own eating habits of the Mediterranean area, adapted to the sociological and cultural changes that are occurring.
A healthy diet is defined as one that is satisfying, sufficient, complete, balanced, harmonious, safe, adapted to the diner and the environment, sustainable, and affordable.
Although many healthy proposals exist, one of the best-known in our vicinity is the Mediterranean diet, which is based on the majority consumption of plant-based foods, fresh and minimally processed, such as seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, extra virgin olive oil and, in smaller quantities and frequency, fermented dairy products and fish, followed by meats (preferably white and lean) and eggs.
Water is the main and healthiest drink. The Mediterranean diet is also characterised by promoting family meals, the use of local and seasonal foods, and by enhancing culinary and gastronomic activities.
Department of Health of the Generalitat de Catalunya
The aim of this manual is to provide advice and recommendations on diet and physical activity that facilitate the maintenance or improvement of the health of older people in institutional settings, within the framework of developing active ageing policies.
Increasing health provisions for this population group has proven to be a highly beneficial policy for improving life expectancy and minimising the impact of functional decline.
