Healthy Eating is important for everybody, but the question that is often asked is "What foods should older Australians eat?"
Evidence points to selections of food that emphasize
More Plant foods ( vegetables, fruit, wholegrain cereals)
Fish & less red meat
Low fat Dairy foods
Healthy fats
Fewer Processed foods
There are a number of guidelines that provide assistance including the
Australian Guide to Healthy Eating ( brochure) ,
the Mediterranean Diet. (video),
the DASH Diet ( Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and
the MIND Diet (combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets)
Personally, I am a great advocate of the Mediterranean Diet for older adults because it has been associated with
improvement in chronic diseases including Heart disease, diabetes & even obesity
reduces risks of certain cancers
reduces risk of cognitive disorders and depression
longer life span ( & other benefits)
Reduction in inflammation through improvements in gut health may be one of the ways in which these effects are achieved.
The main features of this diet are summarized on the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid
The Mediteranean Diet is also about minimising certain foods
Red meat & margarine
sweet foods & drinks
Alcohol in moderation
and Lifestyle Factors
Physical Activity
Socially active and connected
for more information visit
Oldways Health Through Tradition
Other useful information
"The Mediterranean Diet" book by Catherine Itsiopoulos
