Dietary Guidelines for Older Australians

The Dietary Guidelines for older Australians have been designed for healthy Australians, 65 years and older. They apply equally as well to any Australian who has reached retirement, whatever age that happens to be.

Today, Australians are living longer, and it is becoming increasingly important that older Australians enjoy a healthy and independent life for as long as possible. Following these dietary guidelines will help to achieve this independence and good health.

These guidelines apply to the total diet. The guidelines are also designed for consideration as a coherent set of information, and individual guidelines can not be considered in isolation.

Eating a variety of foods from all food groups ensures you get all the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Choose foods from each of the following food groups every day:

• Bread, cereals, rice, pasta and noodles

• Vegetables including legumes

• Fruit

• Milk, yoghurt and cheese

• Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts and legumes.

It is recommended that everyone participates in at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days. This is accumulative, and can be broken down into smaller amounts throughout the day. The exercise can be as simple as walking or gardening, as long as you are being active.

This information has come from the "Eat Well for Life – Dietary Guidelines for Older Australians" produced by the NHMRC.

For more information Nutrition Australia recommends:

Adding Life to Your Years

Adding Life to Your Years: The Cookbook

NSW Division
C/- The Exercise Science and Rehabilitation Centre
University of Wollongong
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