The Food Pyramid for Older Adults gets a Makeover!

The Food Pyramid for Older Adults has recently gotten a much needed "makeover!" In response to the federal government's recent change in the general food pyramid guide, researchers at Tufts University in Boston re-vamped the Food Pyramid for seniors to create a more user-friendly model and to focus on the unique, nutritional needs of older adults.

The emphasis of the new Food Pyramid is on the need for seniors to get an adequate supply of fiber, Vitamins D and B12 from nutrient and fiber rich foods instead of supplements. Also stressed upon is the need for the proper amount of daily exercise and fluid intake.

The new Food Pyramid is available in a graphic, print-out form and has icons representing foods, fluids and exercise in the following categories:

• Whole, enriched, and fortified grains and cereals such as brown rice and 100% whole wheat bread.
• Bright-colored vegetables such as carrots and broccoli and deep-colored fruit such as berries and melon. Canned, fresh or frozen are all acceptable forms.
• Low- and non-fat dairy products such as yogurt and low-lactose dairy products.
• Dry beans and nuts, fish, poultry, lean meat and eggs.
• Liquid vegetable oils and soft spreads low in saturated and trans fat.
• Adequate Fluid intake.
• Physical activity such as walking, swimming, house work and yard work.

If you look at the top of the pyramid, you can see the little flag that reminds seniors that supplements or foods fortified with calcium, vitamin D and vitamin b12, may be beneficial to some of them. In addition, the bottom of the pyramid reminds them to drink 8 glasses of water a day, as well as giving examples of how they can include exercise in their daily lives.

Of course, the food pyramid is meant to be a guide, only. One should always consult with their primary care provider about which meal plan is best for them. The Modified Food Pyramid entitled "MyPyramid for Older Adults" will be published in the January 2008 issue of the Journal of Nutrition.