FOR RELEASE:

(Stillwater) – Healthy eating and regular physical activity are keys to good health at any age. They can lower your risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases. They can even help ward off depression and keep your mind sharp as you age.

A healthy eating plan is one that:

· Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products.

· Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, bean, eggs, and nuts.

· Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.

It is easier to eat well when you plan for your meals and make them enjoyable. If you are unable to cook for yourself, find out about a community program in your area that serves meals or delivers "Meals on Wheels."

If you have a problem eating well, such as trouble chewing or not wanting to eat, talk to your health care provider. Also check with your dentist about caring for your teeth or dentures and your gums.

The death of a loved one or moving from your home of many years may affect your desire to eat. Talk to your health care provider if events in your life are keeping you from eating well.

Ask your health care provider if you should take a daily multi-vitamin/mineral supplement. No pills have been proven to "stop aging" or "improve your memory." Taking a "one-a-day" type multi-vitamin/mineral supplements, however, can help you meet your body’s daily nutritional needs.

Ask your health care provider about a healthy weight for you. If you start to gain or lose weight and do not know why, your health care provider can tell you if this change is healthy for you. If you are underweight, overweight or obese, you are more likely to have certain health problems.

Ask your health care provide about a physical activity plan for you. Physical activity is good for health at every age. If you have never been active, starting regular physical activity now can improve your strength, staying power, and flexibility.

Due to loss of loved ones, health problems, trouble paying bills, or other reasons, many older people feel lonely, sad, or stressed in their daily lives. Feelings like these can cause you to lose energy, not feel like doing anything, not eat enough, or overeat. Being good to yourself can help you to cope with your feelings and improve your energy level, eating habits, and health.

Remember, it's never too late to improve your eating plan, be more physically active, and be good to yourself for a healthier life.

Prepared by:

Janice Hermann, Ph.D., R.D./L.D.

Nutrition Education Specialist

301 HES/NSCI

Cooperative Extension Service

Stillwater, OK 74078-6111

Phone (405) 744-4601

Fax (405) 7441357

janice.hermann@okstate.edu