Nutrition Resources and Research Spotlight Healthy Eating for Older Adults

During National Nutrition Month, the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion released a suite of resources to help older adults adopt and maintain healthy eating habits. The package includes a fact sheet on building a nutritious routine, MyPlate tools tailored for people over 60, guidance on healthy drink choices, and information on food assistance programs.

A related scientific study published in *Nature Medicine* evaluated eight dietary patterns—including Mediterranean, DASH, MIND, and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index—using data from over 105,000 participants in the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow‑Up Study. Researchers found that adherence to a balanced, healthy diet was associated with an 86% higher likelihood of healthy aging, defined as independent living and good quality of life into the 70s.

Both pieces underscore the importance of dietary quality for older adults and provide practical tools and evidence‑based guidance to support healthier later years.