Food and Nutrition
Nutrition is important at every stage of life. Eating well provides us with the energy needed for daily living and is a key part of achieving good health. For older adults, consuming a variety of nutrient-packed foods has been linked to reduced risks for developing chronic health conditions, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
Older adults who have difficulty preparing nutritious meals may want to consult a qualified professional. Others may find help from programs supported by the Older Americans Act (OAA). Available for more than 30 years, the OAA Nutrition Program provides for congregate (group setting) and home-delivered meals. It also provides nutrition screening and assessment, education, and other services. To learn more about this program, visit the Nutrition Services page on the Administration on Aging website.
For more information about nutrition, visit the following useful websites. To find an OAA Nutrition Program in your area use the local search below.
National Information and Resources
To learn more about nutrition visit the following websites.
Dietary Guidelines for Older Americans
The Dietary Guidelines provide authoritative advice on how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases.
http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/toolkit/default.htm#older_adults
The American Dietetic Association
The ADA website contains a section specifically designed for older adults who are interested in learning more about nutrition.
http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6837
NIHSenior Health – Eating Well As You Get Older
This easy-to-use website features basic nutrition information for older adults from the National Institutes of Health.
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/eatingwellasyougetolder/toc.html
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