OBJECTIVE: This article analyzes the socio-political contribution of nutrition education in promoting health. METHODS: This is a ludo-educational workshop on nutrition, health and aging with elderly who attend a weekly university course for seniors. The study was of the exploratory and descriptive type, inserted in the qualitative modality, based on participant observation and semi-structured interview. The objective was to grasp the concepts, attitudes and reflections of the subjects regarding eating practices, lifestyle and aging process. RESULTS: The elderly stated that what motivated them to participate in the program and attend the workshop was the opportunity to learn, socialize and look after their health. Their concepts on how nutrition education contributes to promote health were categorized in the following themes: functional capacity and self-care. CONCLUSION: The results lead us to reflect on education for the elderly, emphasizing the socio-political dimensions of nutrition education as it affects eating habits and lifestyle throughout life. The interdisciplinary actions that aim to preserve, maintain or promote functional capacity of the elderly are likely to improve the quality of life of the aging population.
Food and nutrition education; Health of the elderly; Health public policy