|
|
|
Basic InformationLatest NewsMediterranean Diet Could Keep Aging Brains SharpSwitch to Plant-Based Diet Could Protect Older Women's BrainsAHA News: Lower Your Sodium, and Blood Pressure Will FollowDaily Coffee Tied to Lower Risk for Heart FailureAHA News: Avocados Are a Healthy Option Super Bowl Sunday – and Year-RoundMany U.S. Adults Aren't Getting Healthy Amounts of Fruits, VegetablesWhole Wheat Better for You Than White Bread, Study ConfirmsWhat's the Most Nutritious Way to Juice Your Vegetables?Pandemic May Be Affecting How Parents Feed Their KidsOmega-3s From Fish Might Curb Asthma in Kids, But Genes MatterAHA News: 5 Things Nutrition Experts Want You to Know About New Federal Dietary GuidelinesJust 2% of U.S. Teens Eat Recommended Amount of VeggiesHealthy Eating Could Delay Onset of Parkinson's DiseaseFried Food a Big Factor in Heart Disease, StrokeStrict Low-Carb Diets Could Push Type 2 Diabetes Into Remission, But Effect FadesClimate Change Is Spurring Malnutrition in Kids WorldwidePlant-Based Diet Brings Better 'Microbiome,' Healthier LifeAHA News: Trendy Microgreens Offer Flavor You Can Grow at HomeMediterranean Diet Could Help Stop Prostate Cancer's SpreadWhen Soda Tax Repealed, Soda Sales Rebound: StudyCan 2 Nutrients Lower Your Risk for Parkinson's?AHA News: Ring In the New Year With a 'Mocktail'New Dietary Guidelines for Americans Ignore Recommendations on Sugar, AlcoholWhich Seafood Has the Highest Amount of Microplastics?Could Going Vegetarian Lower Kids' Asthma Risk?1 in 7 Studies in Nutrition Journals Have Food Industry TiesAHA News: Teatime Can Be Good for Your HealthSugary Drinks' Effect on Hormones Could Spur Weight Gain: StudySocial Media Messages Can Lower People's Meat IntakeAHA News: The Best Foods for Brain HealthGet Rid of Red Meat to Help Your Heart: StudyMetabolites From Food Could Affect Your Stroke RiskAHA News: Eating Foods That Promote Inflammation May Worsen Heart FailureCocoa Might Give Your Brain a Boost: StudyAHA News: Teens' Ultra-Processed Diet Puts Their Hearts at RiskMediterranean Diet Cuts Women's Odds for DiabetesJunk Food, Booze Often Star in America's Hit MoviesVegan Diets Tied to Higher Bone Fracture RiskAHA News: Tackling Turkey Day: Strategies for a Healthy FeastAHA News: Inconsistent Mealtimes Linked to Heart RisksHot Discovery: Chili Peppers Might Extend Your LifeAHA News: Is Honey Healthy? How to Make Sure You Don't Get StungNearly 1 in 5 Americans Follows 'Special' DietTips for a Healthier Holiday SeasonDiet Drinks Don't Do Your Heart Any FavorsAHA News: Persimmons Pack Plenty of Nutritional PunchRestricting Promotions of Sweet Foods Cuts Sugar, Not Profits: StudyWhat Foods, Medicines Can Lower Your Colon Cancer Risk?Americans Are Cutting Back on Sugary DrinksAre School Lunches a Ticket to Healthy Eating? Questions and AnswersLinks |
| |
Healthy Eating As We AgeUS Department of AgricultureAs we age, healthy eating can make a difference in our health, help to improve how we feel, and encourage a sense of well-being. Eating healthy has benefits that can help older adults:
Nutrients
- Obtain nutrients needed by the body such as potassium, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, minerals, and fiber.
- Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.If you have a chronic disease, eating well can help to manage the disease.
- Meet individual calorie and nutrition needs.
- Help to maintain energy levels.
Special Nutrition Concerns for Older Adults
Our daily eating habits change as our bodies get older. Make small adjustments to help you enjoy the foods and beverages you eat and drink.
- Add flavor to foods with spices and herbs instead of salt and look for low-sodium packaged foods.
- Add sliced fruits and vegetable to your meals and snacks. Look for pre-sliced fruits and vegetables on sale if slicing and chopping is a challenge.
- Ask your doctor to suggest other options if the medications you take affect your appetite or change your desire to eat.
- Drink 3 cups of fat-free or low-fat milk throughout the day. If you cannot tolerate milk try small amounts of yogurt, butter milk, hard cheese or lactose-free foods. Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
- Consume foods fortified with vitamin B12, such as fortified cereals.
Be Active Your Way
Focus on maintaining a healthy body weight. Being physically active can help you stay strong and independent as you grow older. If you are overweight or obese, weight loss can improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of disease and disability.
- Adults at any age need at least 2.5 hours or 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. Being active at least 3 days a week is a good goal.
- Find an activity that is appropriate for your fitness level. If you are not active, start by walking or riding a stationary bike. Strive for at least 10 minutes of exercise at a time and be as active as possible.
- Include activities that improve balance and reduce your risk of falling such as lifting small weights. Add strength building activities at least 2 times per week.
- Being active will make it easier to enjoy other activities such as shopping, playing a sport, or gardening.
- If you are not sure about your level of fitness, check with your doctor before starting an intense exercise program or vigorous physical activity.
|