Researchers at McMaster and McGill universities have discovered the gene that is the strongest marker for heart disease can actually be modified by generous amounts of fruits and raw vegetables. The results of their study are published in the current issue of the journal PLoS Medicine. Although this study is not geared towards seniors, we know from previous studies that there are heart benefits from eating a plant-based diet. This study actually looks at how the gene that is associated with heart disease is positively affected from a plant-based diet. Learn more about this amazing breakthrough.

A recent study showed a decline in brain size and cognitive decline in elders who had markers indicating a vitamin B deficiency. Everyone who is vegan or vegetarian, regardless of age, could probably benefit from vitamin B 12 supplementation. Learn more about the importance of vitamin B 12. 

A new study shows that people 65 years old and older who cook with and use olive oil on their salad can significantly reduce their stroke risk. Read more about this exciting study.

Adults over the age of 70 have unique dietary needs. In addition to eating a healthy diet high in fibre and drink plenty of liquids,  also included as an integral part of the Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults is a flag at the top suggesting that older adults may need certain supplemental nutrients. The need for calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12 can increase as we age and some people find it difficult to get adequate amounts from food alone, especially when calorie needs go down. Read more about dietary needs of aging seniors.

The bone benefits of a diet rich in vitamin K may extend to both elderly men and women, according to findings from a new study from Spain. Data from 200 elderly people showed that high dietary intakes of vitamin K were associated with higher measures of bone mineral density (BMD), and higher scores in an ultrasound test. Learn more.

A study of 924 Swedish men aged 71 ± 1 year was conducted in Sweden. The objective was to examine the relations between 10-year mortality and adherence to the World Health Organization dietary guidelines. Learn which cohort fared better.

A longitudinal study of apparently 1507 healthy men and 832 healthy women aged 70 to 90 years looked at diet, exercise and lifestyle. Participants were recruited from 11 European countries. Learn how elders who followed a Mediterranean type diet combined with 30 minutes of exercise a day and who followed a healthy lifestyle were less likely to die from all-causes and cause-specific mortality.

Studies show that the consumption of excessive salt can very much contribute to heart failure and cause kidney problems. For older people, trying to avoid salt is very important because it can have a significant impact on an older person’s health. In another study, researchers discovered that only 18% of Americans are consuming the recommended amount of salt. Learn more about the dangers of salt.

Healthy food and exercises play an important role in eye health. Learn which foods, supplements and exercises can keep your eyes healthy and which foods and “activities” you should avoid that may be harmful to your eyes.

The Tufts Food Guide Pyramid for Older Adults recommends that seniors drink 8 8-oz. glasses of water or other non-alcoholic drinks a day. They also suggest that seniors take supplements as they cannot get enough nutrients from food alone. Some of the challenges to eating well are loss of appetite, memory problems, poor dental health and the use of certain medications. Read more to learn what are the signs and symptoms that indicate that your loved one is not getting enough nutrients or is dehydrated and which foods are considered to be super foods.