App-based Protein Support for Older Adults; Coaching Towards Healthy Ageing

App-based Protein Support for Older Adults; Coaching Towards Healthy Ageing

Rationale: Sufficient dietary protein intake helps to preserve muscle mass and strength and is a key factor in healthy ageing. Achieving an increased protein intake with regular food products has shown to be a challenge for many older adults. Applying behavioural change techniques may facilitate a more sustained improvement in protein consumption over time.

Objective: To investigate whether a nutritional app intervention can increase the protein intake (with the goal of 1.2 g/kg body weight/day) of older adults, using readily available food products. Secondary and tertiary objective include the effects of the intervention on body composition and muscle strength and long-term effects on protein intake.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Able to use a smartphone;
• Open to make use of an application;
• Open to alter their diet;
• Able to understand and perform the study procedures;
• Sufficient command of the Dutch language.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Comorbidities where physical activity and/or a certain intake may be dangerous (e.g., diagnosed kidney failure);
• Pre-scribed diet (e.g. low sodium or low potassium diet) or plant-based diet;
• Use of nutritional shakes (such as meal replacements or protein shakes) during the study period. The use of nutritional supplements (such as iron or vitamin D tablets) is permitted and will be requested.