Getting the right nutrition for healthy aging

According to the United Nation‘s World Population Ageing 2009 report, the number of older persons (over 60 years of age) is expected to exceed the number of children (under 15 years of age) for the first time in 2045. This means that by 2050, it is anticipated that the world's population aged 60 years and over will have passed the one billion mark, representing 15 per cent of the total population. At that time, Asia Pacific will be home to 62 per cent of the world's elderly population^[1].

The high dependence ratio fuels worries at the governmental level that there may not be a large enough young working population to support the growing needs – specifically for healthcare and home support – of the elderly. Within an elderly population the effects of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and obesity, will become even more tangible.

The right nutrition is one aspect to fight the burden of NCDs and increase and maintain wellbeing, and it is never too early to start thinking about eating right, as it helps minimize or even prevent the effects of NCDs in old age.

The role of nutrition in healthy aging

Maintaining the right diet plays a big role in delaying the body’s aging process. A critical element of healthy aging is eating nutritionally balanced food that helps people meet the recommended intake levels.

Basketball Shoes