DIETARY HABITS THROUGHOUT LIFE AND THEIR IMPACTS ON HEALTHY AGING: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the influence of dietary habits developed throughout life on healthy aging and quality of life among older adults, given the high prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases associated with inadequate dietary patterns. To this end, an integrative literature review was conducted, with a qualitative approach and exploratory design, using the SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases, including articles published between 2013 and 2025 in Portuguese and English. The results showed that balanced dietary patterns, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and high-quality proteins, are associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases and preservation of functional capacity, whereas the consumption of ultra-processed foods, smoking, and alcohol use favor unhealthy aging and the loss of autonomy. Physiological factors, such as sensory and chewing changes, and socioeconomic factors, such as income, education, and social isolation, were also found to directly affect dietary quality in old age. It is concluded that promoting healthy dietary habits throughout life, together with food and nutrition education strategies, is an important tool for disease prevention, functional maintenance, and the promotion of aging with greater autonomy and well-being.