This study examines the interactions between medical discourse on diet and physical activity and the actual practices of senior citizens in Côte d'Ivoire, revealing the adjustments, negotiations and resistance that result. The aim is to analyse how these institutional prescriptions relate to the everyday experiences of older people in a context of nutritional change and redefined public health frameworks. Methodologically, a triangulated qualitative approach involves semi-directive interviews with senior citizens from a variety of backgrounds, ethnographic observations in catering and physical activity areas, and an analysis of institutional discourse on ageing and health. The results show that medical recommendations are adopted in different ways: some are adapted to local constraints, while others are circumvented because of socio-economic, cultural and symbolic factors. The discussion highlights the ways in which older people reinterpret health standards. In conclusion, it appears necessary to adopt a contextualised approach to rethink support for the elderly in Côte d'Ivoire.
Franck et al. (Thu,) studied this question.