Healthy eating for older adults Archive

VO2 max is a way to gauge how efficiently the body uses oxygen during exercise, offering a window into fitness and long-term health. People can usually improve it over time with consistent aerobic activity, intervals, and smart training changes.

Retainers have benefits beyond keeping a nice smile after braces, aligners, or other orthodontic treatment. The appliances help maintain teeth alignment, protecting them from extra wear and tear. Several types of retainers can help. The choice depends on a person's needs and habits.

The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans are a mixed bag. While their advice to choose whole foods, avoid highly processed foods, and limit added sugars is sound, their promotion of animal-based foods like meat and full-fat dairy products is less supported by rigorous scientific research.

While many people may think that a more sustainable diet is more expensive, a 2025 study suggests that in fact, foods with smaller environmental footprints tend to cost less. Choosing fewer animal-based foods and more plants can be better for health, budgets, and the planet.

A 2025 study suggests that polyphenols, found in a wide range of plant foods, may have long-term benefits for the heart. Over an average of 11 years, people whose diets contained the most polyphenol-rich foods ranked lowest on scores of heart disease risk.

Cutting back on ultra-processed foods that have little nutritional value can help protect your health, but you don't have to make everything from scratch either. Seek out less-processed versions of your favorite foods at your supermarket to turn into healthy meals with minimal effort.

Stress eating involves using food as a coping mechanism when life is difficult. Persistently high levels of cortisol can increase appetite, and past experiences can lead people to associate eating with stressful situations. The foods people crave may depend on their form of turmoil.

Dietary changes can make a big difference for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Foods to limit or avoid include chocolate, onions, and tomato sauce. Adjusting eating habits-by eating smaller portions, for example-might also help people avoid heartburn and other symptoms.

People can evaluate their balance and fall risk at home by taking the four-stage balance test. More advanced tests like single-leg standing, heel-to-toe-walking, and timed up and go can also aid in assessing balance and coordination.