Aging well means different things to different people. However, basically we want to preserve physical function, cognitive health and vision. The Association Between Dietary Patterns at Midlife and Health in Aging: An Observational Study published this week in the Annals of Internal Medicine looked at this issue. The study found the diets which most resembled the Mediterranean style eating had a 40 percent greater chance of living past 70 with better health parameters. They looked at aging healthy as having no major chronic disease but also no physical disabilities and no cognitive impairments. The Mediterranean style diet has high amounts plant based foods with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish and moderate amounts of alcohol. Obviously one does not have to eat fish or drink alcohol for good health but the diet does have less processed foods and red meat. Fill your plates with bright colored fruits and vegetables (with all the colors of the rainbow), whole grains and good oils for a lasting benefit! Read more in the November 5th issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.
November 5