New Food Guide Pyramid for Senior Citizens
I’m sure most of you are aware of the Food Guide Pyramid that is available on www.mypyramid.gov. However, unless you are over 70 years old or care for someone 70 or older, you may not be aware of the pyramids for older adults.
The needs for people 70 and older are different than they are for, say, a 25 year old, or even a 50 year old person. Older adults generally are less active and tend to eat fewer foods high in nutrition. Digestion isn’t as efficient as it was when younger, so the quality of the foods eaten is actually more important, with certain nutrients of greater importance at an older age.
The Food Guide Pyramid at mypyramid.gov is an interactive food guide pyramid. Although it is a wonderful resource, many older adults don’t use the internet, so Tufts University has revised its pyramid for seniors. This is an extremely colorful and graphic pyramid that is actually enjoyable to look at.
The “Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults” stresses, with a flag at the top that older adults should make sure to get enough fiber, calcium and vitamins D and B-12. It also includes exercises that older adults are most likely to take part in, such as walking, swimming and yard work. It also emphasizes adequate fluid intake. The new pyramid also points out that packaged versions of fruits and vegetables, such as frozen vegetables and canned or dried fruit, might be good alternatives to fresh varieties for some older adults. A big issue to be aware of is that when people don’t feel well enough to shop regularly, having healthy foods on the shelves or in the freezer can ensure they eat well. Many older adults live by themselves, so these alternatives can help prepare foods for one without a lot of spoilage.
This new Tufts pyramid is definitely a tool that anyone over 70 could benefit from. If there is a limitation to the pyramid, it just seems that there are no recommendations for serving amounts on it. However, if a person using it would focus on the healthy choices and listen to their body, in terms of hunger and fullness, and be sure to stay active, they shouldn’t have to worry so much that they ate 5 servings of whole grains instead of 3, as an example.
To read more about the pyramid or to download and print a copy for someone you know who could benefit from it, click here:
http://nutrition.tufts.edu/1197972031385/Nutrition-Page-nl2w_1198058402614.html
The needs for people 70 and older are different than they are for, say, a 25 year old, or even a 50 year old person. Older adults generally are less active and tend to eat fewer foods high in nutrition. Digestion isn’t as efficient as it was when younger, so the quality of the foods eaten is actually more important, with certain nutrients of greater importance at an older age.
The Food Guide Pyramid at mypyramid.gov is an interactive food guide pyramid. Although it is a wonderful resource, many older adults don’t use the internet, so Tufts University has revised its pyramid for seniors. This is an extremely colorful and graphic pyramid that is actually enjoyable to look at.
The “Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults” stresses, with a flag at the top that older adults should make sure to get enough fiber, calcium and vitamins D and B-12. It also includes exercises that older adults are most likely to take part in, such as walking, swimming and yard work. It also emphasizes adequate fluid intake. The new pyramid also points out that packaged versions of fruits and vegetables, such as frozen vegetables and canned or dried fruit, might be good alternatives to fresh varieties for some older adults. A big issue to be aware of is that when people don’t feel well enough to shop regularly, having healthy foods on the shelves or in the freezer can ensure they eat well. Many older adults live by themselves, so these alternatives can help prepare foods for one without a lot of spoilage.
This new Tufts pyramid is definitely a tool that anyone over 70 could benefit from. If there is a limitation to the pyramid, it just seems that there are no recommendations for serving amounts on it. However, if a person using it would focus on the healthy choices and listen to their body, in terms of hunger and fullness, and be sure to stay active, they shouldn’t have to worry so much that they ate 5 servings of whole grains instead of 3, as an example.
To read more about the pyramid or to download and print a copy for someone you know who could benefit from it, click here:
http://nutrition.tufts.edu/1197972031385/Nutrition-Page-nl2w_1198058402614.html
posted by Margie Geiser, MBA, RD, NSCA-CPT at
6:12 AM
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