Dietary Recommendations

As is the case with all other age groups, the elderly are best served by a varied diet drawn from the five basic foods groups. The National Institute on aging advises that a daily diet for elderly people should include:

• At least two serving of milk (or dairy products low in lactose, such as aged hard cheeses and yogurt)
• Two servings of high protein foods (lean, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, peanut butter)
• Four servings of fruit and vegetables, which should include a citrus fruit (or juice) and a dark green leafy vegetable.
• Four servings of bread or cereal products, whole grain or enriched.