Healthy Lifestyles for Healthy Older Adults

Men and women are living longer, enjoying energetic and active lifestyles well into their 80s and 90s. Study after study confirms eating well and being active can make a dramatic difference in the quality of life for older adults.

You are never too old to enjoy the benefits of improved nutrition and fitness. With nutrient-rich foods and activities with friends, you can feel an immediate difference in your energy levels and enjoyment of life. In fact, as we get older, our food and activity choices become even more important to our health.

Focus on Nutrient Density

As adults age, they need fewer total calories, but higher amounts of certain nutrients, especially calcium and vitamin D. In terms of nutrition, you need to focus on quality not quantity. For both optimal physical and mental health, older adults truly need to make every calorie count. For a healthy eating plan, choose a variety of foods from all the MyPlate food groups regularly.

Retired people on limited incomes may have trouble buying enough nutrient-rich foods to meet all their nutritional needs. If this is a problem for you or someone you love, explore the options for senior meal sites, Meals on Wheels or supplemental nutrition assistance programs in your community.

The golden years are not the time for extreme diets or drastic weight loss. Your goal should be to eat better while staying within your calorie needs. Fad diets frequently eliminate entire food groups, which can lead to serious nutrient gaps. Rapid weight loss often leads to a loss of lean body mass, exactly the opposite of what older people need for good health.

Aim for a stable weight as you get older. If you want to lose a few pounds, talk to your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian nutritionist about the best plan for you. The right balance of foods and activities can help you maintain strong muscles and bones.

Enjoy the Power of Protein

People of all ages need protein for strong, healthy bodies. Some older adults do not get the protein they need to maintain muscle mass, fight infection and recover from an accident or surgery. Chewing protein foods such as meat also can be a problem for some older adults. Here are a few tasty tips to pump up your protein intake, without upsetting your food budget or energy balance.

• Enjoy More Beans. Add canned beans to salads, soups, rice dishes and casseroles.
• Make Your Crackers Count. Spread peanut butter on whole-grain crackers and eat them as snacks or alongside soup, chili or salad.
• Pump Up Your Eggs. Mix grated, low-fat cheese or extra whites into scrambled eggs.
• Cook with Milk. Use fat-free or low-fat milk or dairy alternatives, such as pea or soy milk, rather than water to make soup or oatmeal.
• Use Dry Milk Powder. Mix a spoonful of dry milk into fluid milk, cream soups and mashed potatoes.