Adaptation to new eating habits in the elderly diabetic and family participation

Abstract

This descriptive qualitative research aimed to describe the adaptation to new eating habits in the elderly diabetic with family participation. Ten diabetic elderly people who periodically attend the elderly program in a health center in Lambayeque, Peru participated. The data were collected through an in-depth semi-structured interview, and processed through content analysis. The results show that family support is needed to adapt to a new diet, for this they prepare vegetables and fruits in a varied way, reduce sugars and fats, all eat the same diet, monitor and control the diet during the festivities. But, the greatest challenge faced by the elderly diabetics is the provocation of the sweet and avoid indulging in a "treat" by consuming some typical sweet of their locality, the willpower of these patients being important, always strengthened by the family.