Dietary Guidelines for Older Australians

Important Notice:
This publication was rescinded by the National Health and Medical Research Council on the 31/12/2005 and is allowed to be displayed on the internet for historical purposes only. The Council no longer supports, endorses or approves this rescinded publication. For further explanation to this notice go to http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/n23syn.htm . Therefore, these guidelines are to be used as a guide only.
An Australian Government Initiative website found at www.healthyactive.gov.au is current and may be of interest.

In 1999 the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) developed the Dietary Guidelines for Older Australians in recognition of the nutrition needs that occur with aging. The Guidelines have been developed specifically for healthy independent Australians aged 65 years and over. The Guidelines apply to the total diet. These Guidelines provide an important statement in support for encouraging older Australians to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

1. Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods
2. Keep active to maintain muscle strength and a healthy body weight
3. Eat at least three meals every day
4. Care for your food: prepare and store it correctly
5. Eat plenty of vegetables (including legumes) and fruit
6. Eat plenty of cereals, breads and pastas
7. Eat a diet low in saturated fat
8. Drink adequate amounts of water and/or other fluids
9. If you drink alcohol, limit your intake
10. Choose foods low in salt and use salt sparingly
11. Include foods high in calcium
12. Use added sugars in moderation