Women's and Men's Health

Nutrition is important for both women and men to maintain good health. As you become older there are special reasons why you should keep your diet at its best. One reason is that approximately four out of five older adults have chronic diseases affected by diet such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis. An adequate, balanced diet also helps to fight disease and infection.

Many physical changes take place as we grow older that can present challenges for you to maintain nutritional status. A healthy, lowfat, nutrient dense diet becomes doubly important. The following are some of the physical changes that can affect your nutrition as you grow older and how they can be compensated for with diet.

Studies show that many older Americans are not getting sufficient vitamin C, B6, A & D, Folate, Calcium, Iron, and Zinc, all of which are important for maintaining nutritional status. You may need a medically prescribed supplement such as a balanced multivitamin or multivitamin/mineral supplement. Nutrients however should come from foods first before supplemnts are considered. Please discuss options with your doctor to see what is best for you.

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