[Nutrition of the elderly: sociological aspect.].

The paper belongs to the general field of nutritional sociology. It presents the data of a study of everyday nutrition practices of older people. Based on an empirical study, held in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Oblast Region (telephone survey of 516 respondents; in-depth interviews), information is given on the following thematic blocks: the purchase of food items by older people; proper nutrition, the consumption of healthy foods; eating out and tastes; alcohol consumption and unhealthy eating habits; diets and dietary restrictions, physical activity; visiting cafes and restaurants; daily menus and gastronomic preferences. As part of the discussion, a gastronomic portrait of an elderly person is presented. A comparative analysis of nutrition practices of the elderly, young people and middle-aged people is held. The main problems in the nutrition of the elderly are identified; ways to solve them are outlined as well.