Older adults turn to food to protect heart, muscles
More than two-thirds of older adults are managing more than one chronic disease. Despite this rising trend, adults today are tuning into their health and turning to nutrition to do so. A new study, conducted by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) and supported by Abbott, found that heart and muscle health were the top two health topics that adults aged 50+ are paying attention to—at 80% and 75%, respectively.
More than two-thirds of older adults are managing more than one chronic disease. Despite this rising trend, adults today are tuning into their health and turning to nutrition to do so. A new study, conducted by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) and supported by Abbott, found that heart and muscle health were the top two health topics that adults aged 50+ are paying attention to—at 80% and 75%, respectively. Brain health and having enough energy were equally important health topics for adults at 74%.
The survey asked more than 1,000 adults aged 50+ how they make decisions on their eating habits, if they understand their dietary needs, and what is motivating them to make positive changes. While people in general tend to think of food in relation to weight management or weight loss, the survey reveals that adult eating habits and health priorities may change with age.
The survey results showed that the vast majority of adults are making at least some effort to eat the right amount of certain nutrients and food groups. Roughly 6 in 10 adults said they had better diet and lifestyle behaviors compared to their habits 20 years ago. In addition, 86% are making an effort to replace less-healthy foods and beverages with more nutrient-dense options, while 87% are trying to eat the right amount and variety of protein.
The data reveal a lack of understanding about what foods can help achieve desired health outcomes. Nearly one-third (32%) couldn’t name a specific food or nutrient that they would avoid to help achieve their prioritized health outcome. Similarly, 26% of respondents can’t name a food or nutrient they would seek out to help with their most important health outcome. Vegetables top the list of specific foods or components to seek out for all health topics (28%), with protein (18%) and fruit (17%) coming in second and third. Whole grains (5%) and dairy (3%) were less likely to be named as foods that adults seek out.
The survey also examined what factors make it easier to eat a healthy diet and what stands in the way. Knowledge (41%), accessibility (37%), and physical ability (32%) are the top three facilitators that make it easier to have a healthy diet. Conversely, cost (44%) and time (23%) were the top barriers cited by adults aged 50+ that made it harder to eat healthier.