The changing face of food and nutrition in Canada and the United States: opportunities and challenges for older adults.
Science and technology are modernizing the field of nutrition and are consequently increasing its complexity. New food developments such as fortified foods and functional foods are evidence of its modernization. The increased specificity of nutrient- and food-intake recommendations and the breadth of claims on food packages are evidence of nutrition's growing complexity. Unfortunately, research on the consumer acceptability of new food developments and nutrition education initiatives has not kept pace with advancements in the field. This is especially true for older adults, a subgroup of the population that appears to be under-researched and not commonly targeted with education initiatives. Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the North American population. Research and education aimed at this demographic is warranted to ensure older adults have the right knowledge and skill set to optimize their food selections and dietary patterns with the possibility of improving health and the quality and longevity of life.
Paulionis
Lina
L
Food and Nutrition Group, Cantox Health Sciences International, 2233 Argentia Road, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. lpaulionis@cantox.com
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D002170:Canada; D004032:Diet / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D005260:Female; D005502:Food; D005515:Food Labeling; D005526:Food, Formulated; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018673:Nutrition Policy / Q000639:trends; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D009753:Nutritive Value; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D014481:United States