Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Keys Given To Living Longer, Healthier

Over 70 percent of senior adults rate their health as good or excellent, and only four percent live in nursing homes. Twenty-three percent of seniors report difficulties with such self-care actions as bathing and dressing; 28 percent have difficulties with more complicated activities, such as housekeeping.

In a 1997 national survey conducted by the American Dietetic Association, 55 percent of those respondents who were at least 55 years old reported trying in earnest to eat healthy, while only 28 percent of respondents aged 25-34 reported the same. People in their 60's and older do about as well as younger people to fulfill recognized guidelines on intake of fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. The rate of seniors whose intakes of various nutrients is at recommended dietary allowances (RDA) levels is only slightly lower than that of younger adults. Some senior adults, though, do develop significant nutritional problems, according to Rossia Brown-Broughton, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Americans are living longer, so good nutrition and regular physical activity through the years are keys to good health. Eating smart means including a variety of foods each day.

A modified Food Guide Pyramid for healthy, active people 70 and above has been developed at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston. To help improve common health problem of people in this age group, scientists have modified the original 1992 Food Guide Pyramid. Published in the March 1999 issue of the Journal of Nutrition, scientists responsible for this modified food guide recognize the special nutrient needs of elderly Americans.

As a result of common health problems and bodily changes that occur with aging, people over the age of 70 years have decreased energy needs and a need for increased nutrient density in food selections. They have a increased need for fiber (20 grams daily). Their needs also increase for calcium (1200 to 1400 milligrams daily), vitamin D (600 International Units) and vitamin B-12, with nutritional supplements sometimes necessary to achieve these levels.

There are special concerns for adequate hydration. Drinking eight cups of water daily is recommended, in addition to any beverages that might be consumed, and regardless of a lack of sensation of thirst.

The modified Food Guide Pyramid for those 70 years of age and older specifies: choosing a variety of foods, eating a diet high in grain products, fruits and vegetables, eating a diet low in saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, low to moderate amounts of sugar, salt and alcohol and balancing energy intake with physical activity.

Nutrition is important through all life stages from childhood through the end of life. As a person ages, food habits may need to be changed.

For more information on nutrition, contact the Clark County Extension office at 246-2281.