Healthy eating for older adults Archive

A 2025 Harvard study found that people who most closely adhered to a Mediterranean or a plant-based diet had up to a 20% lower risk for chronic constipation, compared with people who followed other eating patterns.

The trend toward eating plant-rich diets has led to a number of new dietary terms and buzzwords. Examples include the terms "plant-forward," which describes the shift toward the gradual incorporation of more plant foods into the diet; "plant-based protein," used for foods that contain a high amount of protein, even some processed foods; and "sustainable eating," whichrefers to the big picture of food choices and how they can help sustain the environment, the planet, and health.

Influencers, news headlines, and well-meaning friends and family offer conflicting advice on wellness. Quick fixes and fads may do little for our health, and some even prove harmful. Try to work these five simple habits that can boost health and wellness into your everyday life.

In the US, more than a quarter of children and adolescents have ready-to-eat cereal for breakfast most days of the week. Advertising touts cereal as a healthy choice, but a recent study disputes this.

Eating a variety of flavonoid-rich foods may offer greater protection against cardiovascular disease and cancer than eating only a few high-flavonoid foods, according to a 2025 study.

Power is the ability to generate a large amount of force in a short amount of time. It can help people to properly and safely execute many everyday movements, such as climbing stairs, lifting and carrying heavy objects, twisting, pulling, and throwing. Power also improves movement efficiency and reaction time, helping to prevent injuries from falls. Increasing overall muscle mass with regular strength training and doing plyometric exercises and explosive moves using a medicine ball can help build power.

As people get older, they may get clumsier because of multiple factors such as declining hearing and vision, loss of muscle, balance issues, and chronic health conditions. Addressing these issues can help people avoid injury from falls and other accidents.

The Blue Zones are locations in the world where people are regarded as being among the healthiest and longest-lived. They include Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California. According to some research, most residents of Blue Zones live seven to 10 years longer than the average American and have lower rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. These individuals follow certain healthy behaviors related to diet, exercise, and emotional well-being that people can adopt.

With age, people develop brown spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Women are more likely than men to invest money and time to look younger. Sun protection and a variety of skin care products can help, including those containing alpha-hydroxy acids, retinols, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures can also ease signs of aging. These include injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) or hyaluronic acid, laser treatments, and chemical peels. Skin care and treatments should be customized to each person.

Evidence suggests that chewing gum can help people feel more focused and less stressed. Chewing sugar-free versions can hinder cavities. But constant gum-chewing can tire jaw muscles, and xylitol-containing gum can trigger abdominal distress.