The first part of our two-part series on nutrition, food, and older Americans provided a status report on the nutrition needs of seniors. This installment focuses not on needs but on wants.
Food is important to everyone-no matter what age.
It is a common need, interest, and source of enjoyment. Therefore, it is no surprise that food plays a major role in the lives of older people. In fact, numerous researchers have found that interest in food as it relates to health increases with age-a finding that may be attributed to a variety of motivations. Whatever the reason, food choices remain important throughout life, perhaps even growing more so as we age. In general, we're all guided by a few important factors when determining which foods to purchase and eat.