Compared to other age ranges, older adults have the highest diet quality, with an HEI score of 63 out of Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy improves diet quality — as does cutting down on added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.

Support from health professionals, friends, and family can help older adults meet food group and nutrient recommendations.

Eating enough protein helps prevent the loss of lean muscle mass. But older adults often eat too little protein — especially adults ages 71 and older. These protein sources also provide additional nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and fiber.

The ability to absorb vitamin B12 can decrease with age and with the use of certain medicines. Older adults should talk with their health care provider about the use of dietary supplements to increase vitamin B12 intake. Healthy Beverage Choices for Older Adults. Unsweetened fruit juices and low-fat or fat-free milk or fortified soy beverages can also help meet fluid and nutrient needs.

Health care providers can remind older patients to enjoy beverages with meals and throughout the day. If older adults choose to drink alcohol, they should only drink in moderation — 2 drinks or less in a day for men and 1 drink or less in a day for women.

Remember that this population may feel the effects of alcohol more quickly than they did when they were younger, which could increase the risk of falls and other accidents. Supporting Older Adults in Healthy Eating. Similar to other life stages, health professionals, family, and friends can support older adults in achieving a healthy dietary pattern that fits with their budget, preferences, and traditions.

Additional factors to consider when supporting healthy eating for older adults include:. Find Resources to Help Older Adults Eat Healthy. There are a number of government resources that health professionals can use to support older individuals in accessing and achieving a healthy dietary pattern.

Choosing healthy foods and actively using nutrition resources can help people make every bite count, no matter their age. For more information about these resources for older adults, check out Nutrition Programs for Seniors from Nutrition.

Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by ODPHP or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Nutrition as We Age: Healthy Eating with the Dietary Guidelines.

Special Considerations for Older Adults The Healthy Eating Index HEI measures diet quality based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Supporting Older Adults in Healthy Eating Similar to other life stages, health professionals, family, and friends can support older adults in achieving a healthy dietary pattern that fits with their budget, preferences, and traditions.

Additional factors to consider when supporting healthy eating for older adults include: Enjoyment of food — Sharing meals with friends and family can increase food enjoyment and provide a great opportunity to share a lifetime of stories, all while improving dietary patterns. Ability to chew or swallow foods — Experimenting with different ways of cooking foods from all food groups can help identify textures that are acceptable, appealing, and enjoyable for older adults — especially those who have difficulties chewing or swallowing.

Learn more about depression in older adults. Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator Find a treatment facility for mental health issues near you. Brain Health Your brain changes as you age.

It's natural. Learn about the conditions and diseases that impact the brain as people age. Brain Health: You Can Make a Difference It is important to keep your brain healthy as you age.

Get information and guidance to help you make smart choices about your brain health. Memory Loss and Forgetfulness Everyone has mild memory lapses from time to time. Learn when it is time to discuss your memory lapses with your doctor. These tips can help caregivers become informed and find support.

Understanding Arthritis Arthritis is one of the most common diseases in the United States. Older people most often have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout. Age and Cancer Risk Cancer strikes people of all ages, but you are more likely to get cancer as you get older.

Learn what cancer is, what to look for, and how it is treated. Diabetes in Older People—A Disease You Can Manage Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to dangerous health problems, such as heart attack or stroke.

There are things you can do, however, to take control and prevent problems. Older Adults and Fall Prevention Falls—and the injuries and deaths they cause—are increasing. Learn how you can prevent falls. Hearing Loss Hearing loss can have many different causes.

Learn about common causes of hearing loss and when to see your doctor. Heart Disease Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

Learn how you can greatly reduce your risk for heart disease through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medicine. Growing Older with HIV New medications and treatments have increased the life expectancy of people with HIV. Learn how aging affects living with HIV. Learn how to prevent HIV.

HIV, AIDS, and Older People You may have thought HIV was something only younger people have to worry about, but anyone at any age can get it.

Aging and Your Eyes Protect your vision and eye health as you age. Learn about glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, presbyopia, detached retina, and other problems. Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Part D Medicare offers prescription drug coverage to help senior citizens get the prescription drugs they need.

Generic Drugs: Questions and Answers Learn about generic drugs—from their safety to their effectiveness. Dietary Supplement Label Database Check the full label contents of dietary supplement products sold in the United States.

Senior Vaccine Schedule People 65 and older may need one or more vaccines, even if you received vaccines as a child or young adult. Learn more and then talk to your doctor about which vaccines are right for you.

Skip to main content. Enter the terms you wish to search for. Breadcrumb Home Aging Healthy Aging. Healthy Aging Adopting healthy habits and behaviors, staying involved in your community, using preventive services, managing health conditions, and understanding all your medications can contribute to a productive and meaningful life.

Staying Active. Staying Connected to Your Community. Nutrition for Older Adults. Understanding Mental Health.

Make sure you have footwear that fits properly and supports your feet. If they're sore you may be tempted to stay in slippers, but a pair of trainers could be a good option as they are more supportive.

Contact your doctor if your feet become painful, feel very hot or cold or if you have common problems like corns, bunions or ingrown toenails. Many of us have trouble getting — or staying — asleep as we get older.

This can leave you feeling tired and affect your mood. Avoid insomnia by cutting down on daytime naps, establishing a bedtime routine and going to bed at the same time each night.

Read our more detailed advice on how to get get a good night's sleep. Hearing loss is common in older people so see your doctor if you have to have the TV on loud or having trouble tuning into conversations. If you need a hearing aid, some are available on the NHS.

Have your eyes checked every year if you are aged 70 or over, and every two years if you are under This means that changes in your vision can be corrected and any problems can be picked up before they seriously affect your sight.

Eye tests are free if you are over Spending time with other people can prevent you from feeling lonely or anxious. If you find that you are no longer able to do the things you used to do, try to develop new hobbies and interests or think about becoming a volunteer.

If you are single, divorced, or bereaved and would like to meet someone, read our online guide to dating. Find out more about befriending services. Smoking has been linked to a whole range of different health problems, including heart disease, lung cancer, and bronchitis.

The good news is that if you stop smoking, regardless of your age, your circulation, your lung capacity and your energy levels will improve. Find more support to stop smoking. We offer support through our free advice line on Lines are open 8am-7pm, days a year.

We also have specialist advisers at over local Age UKs. About the Age UK Advice Line Find your local Age UK. Donate now. Back to top. AmericaCorps Seniors AmeriCorps Seniors is open to individuals 55 and older.

AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to helping others in your community. Senior Community Service Employment Program SCSEP SCSEP is a community service and work-based job training program for low-income, unemployed older Americans.

See if you qualify. National Aging and Disability Transportation Center Working to increase transportation options for older adults to support their ability to live independently in their homes and communities.

Healthy Eating Making a plan to eat healthy can keep you healthy and active for longer. Learn how to make smart food choices, shop for healthy food on a budget, and what vitamins and minerals older people need. Health Tips for Older Adults Learn what you can do to stay healthy and fit—for yourself and your loved ones!

Nutrition for Seniors Studies show that a good diet in your later years reduces your risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart diseases, and certain cancers. Get tips for eating for overall health. Older Adults - My Plate Eating healthy has benefits that can help individuals ages 60 and up.

Simple changes can help you enjoy the foods and beverages you eat and drink to meet nutrient needs, help maintain a healthy body weight, and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Food Safety for Older Adults Adults 65 and older are at a higher risk for hospitalization and death from foodborne illness.

Learn how to keep yourself safe. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP SNAP offers nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities.

gov: Your Path to Government Benefits Locate benefits you may be eligible for using the official benefits website of the U.

gov Sign up for Medicare benefits, find out if a service is covered, submit a Medicare claim, and more. Compare Medicare Providers Find physicians, group practices, hospitals, home health agencies, and dialysis facilities based on star ratings, services offered, and quality of care.

Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace Learn about the Health Insurance Marketplace and your Medicare benefits. Replacement Medicare Cards Learn how to get a replacement Medicare card. gov Your one-stop-shop for Federal policy and program information about Medicaid.

Eldercare Locator Using your ZIP code or city and state, find resources in your community that provide information and assistance for older adults and caregivers.

Older Adults and Mental Health It is not uncommon to experience mental health issues as people age. Learn more about depression in older adults.

Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator Find a treatment facility for mental health issues near you. Brain Health Your brain changes as you age. It's natural. While you might be noticing some of these changes, there are so many things you can do to keep your body feeling as young as you do.

Maintaining or improving physical health is a combination of exercise, nutrition, sleep, mental health and more. Based on your goals, there are many ways to keep physically fit and healthy.

The resources below can help you learn more about keeping your body in tip-top shape from head to toe. Maintaining good mental health is essential to healthy aging. According to the CDC, the risk of depression can increase as we age , which means taking care of your mental health is just as important as exercise or sleep for your overall well-being.

Check out these articles to learn how to keep your mental health thriving.