ing longer than ever, studies show—and good nutrition can be key to enjoying good health through the years. Three big physiologic changes occur as one ages: a decrease in total body protein; a decrease in bone density and total body water; and an increase in the proportion of body fat. Fortunately, there are three ways we can modify our diets to keep healthy and improve our quality of life: 1. Decrease Quantity, Not Quality. As you age, your calorie needs may decrease by as much as 25 percent. While you don’t need as much food, the food you do eat vent some types of cancer. Vitamin D helps increase calcium absorption and is important for muscle and nerve function. Very few foods naturally con- tain vitamin D—mostly eggs and liver—so most of us get it from fortified milk and dairy products, which also happen to be the best sources of calcium. If drinking milk is not an option for you, con- sider choosing a calcium- and vita- min D-fortified nondairy product such as Vitamite 100. It provides all the calcium and vitamin D of regular milk, along with milk’s good taste and convenience—and no lactose to upset your stomach. 3. Get More Fluids. Sense of must be high in vitamins and minerals. Good choices include whole grains and whole-grain breads; legumes; low-fat dairy foods or fortified nondairy foods; and fruits thirst decreases with age, mak- 2. Get More Calcium and ages and fruit or vegetable juices—which deliver nutrients along with liquid—are good fluid and vegetables. Vitamin D. Forty percent of Americans over the age of 50 are vitamin D deficient—and the statistics for calcium are even worse. Calcium is vital for healthy bones, muscles, blood clotting and cell division. It may even help lower high blood pressure, decrease heart disease and help pre- ing us more vulnerable to dehydration—a frequent cause of hospitalization among those over 65. Water and beverages such as milk, fortified nondairy bever- choices. To receive a free sample of Vitamite 100, a product brochure and coupon, send your name and address to: Diehl Specialties; 24N. Clinton St.; Dept.N-1; Defiance, OH 43512.
