According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) a healthy  diet consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free milk and milk products combined with lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts. Foods also ought to cooked in oils which are low in saturated fats, trans fats and the foods must have low cholesterol-inducing properties, low in sodium and extra sugars. Latest research has shown that to age gracefully, you not only need to take care of the physical wellbeing, but also your intellectual, emotional, relational, spiritual and sexual health also. When all these areas function optimally, you can expect not only a prolonged life, but these would also promote wellness and a high quality of life.A new MyPyramid Food guidance system wasreleased in Nov/Dec 2006 issue of Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior which is an updated version of the former Food Guide Pyramid, focusing mainly on the several researches completed over the past many years. This new updated system focuses on foods which are nutrient rich and is recommended highly for aging adults. Over and above, there is an increased focus on physical exercise which has a beneficial effect on the aging process. Since then, there is now a modified version of MyPyramid for aging adults which has been released in the Jan 2008 edition of the Journal of Nutrition. According to statistics revealed by the government, people over 70 years of old can benefit greatly and can prevent weight gain with regular physical activity. Even age-related health problems seem to diminish with regular physical exercises like walking, swimming and yard work.
Tufts University recommend the following foods for aging adults: * Grains which are whole and fortified along with cereals like brown rice and 100% wheat bread. * Colored vegetables like carrots and broccoli, and deep colored fruits like berries and melon. * Yogurt and low-fat milk.
* Lean meat, eggs, fish, dry bean and nuts.
* Vegetable oils which are low or non-fat.
* Adequate amounts of fluid or water intake.
* Normal work including walking and yard work. Keeping the mind alive and active is also a helper in the aging process. Take interest in new activities, reading and generally take pleasure in participating in enjoyable events. This keeps the mind fresh, young and alive and keeps you away from clouding the mind with unnecessary and depressive thoughts. For the emotional well being of the aging adults, it is necessary to keep company of family, friends and neighbors. Keeping a daily spiritual practice often helps. A healthy day is when you spend it amidst good nutritional diet, rest, sleep,  play and mild exercise. Having a optimistic attitude and a good sense of humor helps a lot in your aging process. You need to develop a passion for life, marvel at nature and remain sensually and sexually alive. There is nothing like remaining alive and alert in all things around you and nothing, is truly limited to your age. If your body and mind can accept life the way it is, you can be sure that you would age gracefully and live a long, meaningful and healthy life. |
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