USA: New data on eating right for senior citizens

ATLANTIC, Iowa (Atlantic News Telegraph), August 8, 2008: The Modified Food Guide was compared to the other food guides recently by Bethany Rogers, Wellness director, in a program at Wesley Heritage House. Rogers said, “The Modified MyPyamid for Older Adults is not a substitute for the new MyPyramid; instead it emphasizes certain aspects of the diet that the older need to take into consideration. Some of these aspects include eating enough essential nutrients, drinking plenty of water, and making sure to participate in appropriate physical activities. Older citizens She cited the guidelines which pointed up the needs for older adults: *Too few nutrients eaten as individuals grow older; Basic message-Get essential nutrients from food rather than supplements; Except...a little flag on the pyramid signals that supplements or fortified foods particularly those containing calcium, vitamin D, or vitamin B-12 may be helpful for many older adults, but not all. Physical At the bottom of the pyramid are icons representing appropriate physical activities. A row of water glasses stresses the importance of fluid intake. Emphasis is on whole grains and a variety of grains; a variety of nutrient-density of fruits and vegetables; low-fat and non-fat dairy foods-includes milk products with reduced lactose, oils low in saturated fats and lacking trans fats, low-saturated fat and vegetable choices in the meat-and-beans food group; and fiber-rich foods in all food groups. Many new food issues have been reported on recently at Wesley Heritage House. Information has been presented by Bethany Rogers, left, Wellness director, and Beth Johnson, Activities director. Photo by Jo Arn Copyright © 2008 Atlantic News Telegraph