Nutrition and aging: A two-way relationship

Unfortunately, the rate and way we age depends on both our genetic makeup and a combination of lifelong lifestyle behaviors."

MyPlate for Older Adults-; developed at the HNRCA to correspond with the USDA's MyPlate, the federal government's food group recommendations-;calls attention to the unique nutritional and physical activity needs associated with advancing years, says Lichtenstein. "One approach to achieving this goal is to prepare as much food as possible at home and avoid highly processed foods which tend to be high in salt, sugar and/or refined grains," she adds. "At any stage of life, it is important to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight for the best health outcomes."

"Some people might feel there is little point in adjusting their diets or losing weight as they get older if they haven't eaten particularly well or they have been overweight or obese most of their lives," says McKay. "But research shows making adjustments at any age can improve both how you feel overall and your ability to lower your risk of developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

McKay says research also shows that teens who consume high amounts of fruits and vegetables have less age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Related StoriesVitamin B12 is found in animal-based proteins. "Levels should be regularly monitored as we age. A B12 deficiency can lead to deterioration of the myelin sheath, which insulates nerves, and can lead to permanent brain impairment if not caught and treated," says McKay.

Alcohol at any age Slowly decreasing liver function also means older adults don't process alcohol as efficiently as they did when younger. "Alcohol consumption is a risk at any age," McKay notes. For younger people the problem is traffic accidents or other risky behaviors. Older adults may not realize they can't drink as much as they once did, increasing the likelihood of falls or driving while impaired.

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