Growing Older, Eating Better : Food Labels, Physical Activity

by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

(Page 3 of 3)

Other Assistance

Family members and friends can help ensure that older people take advantage of food programs by putting them in touch with the appropriate agencies or organizations and helping them fill out the necessary forms. Some other steps they can take include

• looking in occasionally to ensure that the older person is eating adequately
• preparing foods and making them available to the older person
• joining the older person for meals.

In some cases, they may help see that the older person is moved to an environment, such as their home, an assisted-living facility, or a nursing home, that can help ensure that the older person gets proper nutrition.

Whatever an older person's living situation, proper medical and dental treatment is important for treating medical problems, such as gastrointestinal distress and chewing difficulties, that interfere with good nutrition. If a medication seems to ruin an older person's taste and appetite, a switch to another drug may help.

A review of basic diet principles may help improve nutrition. Explaining to older people the importance of good nutrition in the later years may motivate them to make a greater effort to select nutritious foods.

Look to the Label

The food label can help older people select a good diet. The label gives the nutritional content of most foods and enables consumers to see how a food fits in with daily dietary recommendations.

Some of the information appears as claims describing the food's nutritional benefits: for example, "low in cholesterol" or "high in vitamin C." Under strict government rules, these claims can be used only if the food meets certain criteria. This means that claims can be trusted. For example, a "low-cholesterol" food can provide no more than 20 milligrams of cholesterol and no more than 2 grams of saturated fat per serving.

Less common but also helpful are label claims linking a nutrient or food to the risk of a disease or health-related condition. These claims are supported by scientific evidence. One claim links whole grain foods to risk of heart disease and cancer. On the food label, this claim would read like this:

"Diets rich in whole grain foods and low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers."

More in-depth information is found on the "Nutrition Facts" panel on the side or back of the food label. This information is required on almost all food packages. This nutrition information is easy to read and is usually on a white or other neutral contrasting background.

Some nutrition information also may be available for many raw meats, poultry and fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables at the place of purchase. The information may appear in brochures or on posters or placards.

Physical Activity

Besides diet, physical activity is part of a healthy lifestyle at any age. It can help reduce and control weight by burning calories. Moderate exercise that places weight on bones, such as walking, helps maintain and possibly even increases bone strength in older people. A study published in the Dec. 28, 1994, Journal of the American Medical Association found that intensive strength training can help preserve bone density and improve muscle mass, strength and balance in postmenopausal women. In the study, subjects used weight machines for strength training.

Also, scientists looking into the benefits of exercise for older people agree that regular exercise can improve the functioning of the heart and lungs, increase strength and flexibility, and contribute to a feeling of well-being.

Any regular physical activity is good, from brisk walking to light gardening. Common sense is the key. But, before a vigorous exercise program is started or resumed after a long period of inactivity, a doctor should be consulted.

Taking time out for exercise, using the food label to help pick nutritious foods, taking advantage of the several assistance programs available, and getting needed medical attention can go a long way toward helping older people avoid the nutritional pitfalls of aging and more fully enjoy their senior years.

About the Author

www.fda.gov
FDA is A United States government body that oversees medical devices, including contact lenses, intraocular lenses, excimer lasers and eyedrops. In the US, these products must be approved by the FDA before they can be marketed.