Older Individuals

Use MyPlate to visualize a healthy plate and think about what foods go on your plate, in your bowl, or in your cup.

The MyPlate Plan shows your food group targets – what and how much to eat within your calorie allowance. Your food plan is personalized, based on your age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity level.

The Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging released the MyPlate for Older Adults icon to provide food, fluid and physical activity guidance specifically tailored for older adults.

Adapted from USDA's MyPlate by nutrition faculty of the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Learn about special nutrition concerns for older adults, staying active, and more.

10 Healthy Eating Tips for People Age 65+

Tips to help you make better beverage choices.

Links older Americans, their families and caregivers to information and resources on services including state and local agencies and other community organizations.

Get moving! This 120-page, illustrated guide describes the benefits of exercise and physical activity for older people, with sample exercises and tips. Find out how to order copies. Also available in PDF (12.54 MB).

Go4Life is an exercise and physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging at NIH. It is designed to help you fit exercise and physical activity into your daily life. Also find Nutrition Tips.

Learn why adults age 65 and older are at a higher risk for hospitalization and death from foodborne illness. 

How endurance, strength training, balance, and flexibility exercises can help you in real-life.

Tip sheet for older adults on fluids and hydration.

One of the Go4Life nutrition tip sheets - this one provides tips for overcoming barriers to healthy eating for older adults.

The Nutrition Facts label serves as your guide for making choices that can affect your long-term health. This booklet will give you the information you need to start using the Nutrition Facts label today.

The National Institute on Aging, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. Find information on Healthy Eating and Exercise and Physical Activity.

Find important food safety information for older adults. Also in PDF|2.43 MB.

Eating healthy foods helps everyone stay well. It’s even more important for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some tips for healthy eating.

Read more about how to eat healthy as you age, and what to do if you are having trouble.

Tips for choosing nutrient dense foods and snacks.

Tips and tools to help people ages 65 and over eat healthy foods and be physically active.