Making healthy food choices is a smart thing to do — no matter how old you are! Your body changes through your 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond. Food provides nutrients you need as you age. The following are some tips to choose foods for better health, at this stage of life.
- Drink plenty of fluids: With age, you may lose some of your sense of thirst. Drink water often throughout the day. Place reminders to drink on your refrigerator or side table. Drinks without the added sugars are best!
- Make eating a social event: Meals are more enjoyable when you eat with others. Congregate dining or inviting a friend to join you are great ways to enjoy a meal. Take part in a potluck, eat with friends and family. There are many ways to make mealtimes pleasing.
- Variety of fruits and vegetables: Include a variety of colors of fruits & vegetables to brighten your plate at meal times or as a snack. Most are a low-calorie source of nutrients and high in fiber.
- Use herbs and spices: Foods may seem to lose their flavor as you age. If favorite dishes taste different, it may not be the cook! Maybe your sense of smell, sense of taste, or both have changed. Medicines may also change how foods taste as well. Add extra herbs and spices to make your meals flavorful.
- Plan healthy meals: Find trusted nutrition information for example from ChooseMyPlate.gov and the National Institute on Aging. Find sensible, flexible ways to choose and prepare tasty meals so you can eat foods you want and need. Making your plate colorful is an easy way to remember to vary the different types of foods.
Source: USDA - ChooseMyPlate.gov
