Protein Intake and Well-Being in Healthy Danish Older Adults: The Limited Role of Nutrition, Perception, and Knowledge

This study investigated the drivers of dietary protein intake among healthy Danish older adults ( n = 57; aged 65–74). The median estimated protein intake of the participants was 0.75 g/kg adjusted body weight/day, well below the recommended 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day for this age group. Participants were categorized into lower (<0.8 g/kg/day protein) and higher (≥0.8 g/kg/day protein) protein intake groups. Despite the generally low protein intake, all participants reported a low perceived need for dietary improvement. There were no significant differences between the low and high protein groups in either subjective or objective nutrition knowledge, nor in emotional experience during grocery shopping. In contrast, participants in the higher protein intake group showed significantly greater well-being, including greater life satisfaction ( p = 0.035). These findings suggest that emotional and psychological well-being may be more strongly associated with total dietary protein intake than subjective and objective knowledge. Although participants demonstrated some awareness that certain fermented dairy products are high in protein, these products remained underutilized, contributing only modestly to overall intake. We suggest that further research is needed about the effectiveness of healthy aging promotion, which may depend on personalized, emotionally resonant communication strategies, including messaging that emphasizes immediate quality of life. • Most healthy Danish older adults consumed less protein than recommended for their age. • Higher protein intake was associated with greater life satisfaction and well-being. • Subjective and objective nutrition knowledge did not differ between lower- and higher protein intake groups. • Emotional experience during grocery shopping was not related to protein intake. • Fermented dairy products were perceived as protein-rich but contributed modestly to intake.