Study Reveals Surprising Salt Behaviour Among Older Adults

A simple shake of the saltshaker could reveal important clues about health habits. A new study from Brazil found that older men are more likely than women to add extra salt to their meals, while women's salt use appears to be more closely linked to their overall diet and lifestyle.

Published in Frontiers in Public Health, the study analyzed data from more than 8,300 adults aged 60 and older. Researchers examined eating habits, lifestyle factors, and whether participants routinely added salt to food at the table.

The findings showed that 12.7% of men reported adding extra salt to meals compared with 9.4% of women. While the habit was more common among men, the reasons behind it differed between the sexes.

Among men, only a few factors were linked to salt use. Those following a diet to control high blood pressure were much less likely to add extra salt, while men living alone were significantly more likely to reach for the saltshaker.

Women showed a more complex pattern. Those who were not following a blood pressure-friendly diet had higher odds of adding salt. Women living in urban areas and those who frequently consumed ultra-processed foods were also more likely to add extra salt to their meals.

On the other hand, healthier eating habits appeared protective. Women who regularly consumed fruits were far less likely to add salt, and those who frequently ate vegetables also showed lower salt use. Researchers believe these patterns may reflect greater attention to overall diet quality and sodium intake.

Excess salt consumption is a major public health concern because it increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, and other chronic conditions. The World Health Organization recommends that adults consume less than five grams of salt per day.

The findings highlight that reducing salt intake may require different approaches for different groups, with dietary habits, living situations, and lifestyle factors all playing a role.

REFERENCE: Flávia dos Santos Barbosa Brito, Ariane Cristina Thoaldo Romeiro, Débora Martins dos Santos, Carla Gonçalves, Maria Eduarda Sant\'Anna, Alexandre dos Santos Brito, Amanda Rodrigues Amorim Adegboye. The habit of adding salt to food at the table and its association with socio-demographic, anthropometric and dietary characteristics in Brazilian older adults. Frontiers in Public Health, 2026; 14 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1737516