Objective. To describe the dietary parameters and eating habits of the elderly served in health centers of the first level, in the city of Cuenca-Ecuador. Population and methods. The descriptive study involved 102 senior citizens belonging to the senior clubs of the first level health centers. The students of the Community Cycle of the medical career applied a validated form, with questions of sociodemographic conditions, dietary parameters and eating habits, previous training and signing of the informed consent. Results. The average age was 76 ± 7.20 years, between 65 and 95 years old, the majority were women, married, retired, with primary education, unemployed and of low socioeconomic status. Almost everyone ingests breakfast, lunch and snack, with a normal consistency. One in four AM ingests vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements. They choose foods for flavor and lower cost. Eight out of ten cannot prepare their food. Six out of ten eat poorly, without needing to like or dislike what they eat. Conclusions. The parameters and eating habits of the AM are related to aging and several determining factors. His knowledge will serve to propose healthy eating and prevent related diseases.