Nutrition needs for 'very old'

The very old (75+ years) have special nutrition needs that research shows is directly linked to maintaining quality of life.

Eating a wide variety of foods provides a good source of important nutrients. Simple lifestyle modifications and dietary changes are a large part of preventative health.

Regardless of someone’s age, it’s never too late to shed bad habits, such as smoking or regular snacking on processed junk foods that are high in fat and salt and low in vitamins and minerals.

A good start to each day includes morning servings of fresh or canned fruit, cereal with a good fiber content, and skim milk or yogurt, which contain calcium. For the older adult, breakfast is crucial in helping to start the day off on the right foot.

Skipped meals any time of the day can lead to trouble. Seniors benefit from routine. Regular meals are the best way to make sure daily requirements of calcium, vitamins A and C, beta carotene and protein are met, all of which work to mitigate health problems and chronic disease, such as diabetes.

Seniors who overeat or are inactive, on the other hand, can suffer from obesity or the development of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.