US Food Guide Pyramid updated for elderly

Researchers have updated the US Food Guide Pyramid for Older Adults to emphasise a diet of nutrient-dense foods, balanced intake of fluids and exercise in bodies that generally burn fewer calories as they age.

“Adults over the age of 70 have unique dietary needs,” says co-author Alice H. Lichtenstein, D.Sc., director of the Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University.

“Older adults tend to need fewer calories as they age because they are not as physically active as they once were and their metabolic rates slow down.

“Nevertheless, their bodies still require the same or higher levels of nutrients for optimal health outcomes.”

The USDA debuted MyPyramid in 2005 as an Internet-based program capable of dispensing individualised dietary guidance based on sex, age, height, weight, and exercise habits. The new pyramid covers:
· Whole, enriched, and fortified grains and cereals such as brown rice and 100% whole wheat bread.
· Bright-coloured vegetables such as carrots and broccoli.
· Deep-coloured fruit such as berries and melon.
· Low- and non-fat dairy products such as yogurt and low-lactose milk.
· Dry beans and nuts, fish, poultry, lean meat and eggs.
· Fluid intake.
· Physical activity such as walking, house work and yard work.
The Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults was published in the January issue of the Journal of Nutrition.

Added to the new pyramid is a foundation depicting physical activities characteristic of older adults, such as walking, yard work and swimming.

“Regular physical activity is linked to reduced risk of chronic disease and lower body weights. Government statistics indicate that obesity in adults 70 years and older has been increasing, physical activity is one way to avoid weight gain in later years and its adverse consequences,” says Ms Lichtenstein. “In addition, regular physical activity can improve quality of life for older adults.”

Also included as an integral part of the Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults is a flag at the top suggesting that older adults may need certain supplemental nutrients.

“The need for calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12 can increase as we age and some people find it difficult to get adequate amounts from food alone, especially when calorie needs go down,” Ms Lichtenstein says.

“The flag at the top of the Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults serves as a reminder that some people may need to discuss this potential need with their health care providers. However, we continue to emphasise that the majority, if not all, of nutrients an older adult consumes should come from food rather than supplements.”

The original Food Guide Pyramid for Older Adults, published by Tufts researchers in 1999, is widely used as an illustration in textbooks and manuals, featured in newsletters for older Americans, and in informational material prepared by the Departments of Elder Affairs in a number of states. Now that the USDA’s Food Guide Pyramid has been redesigned to be computer based, the Tufts researchers felt it was important to update their version.