Food and Nutrition 
    Guidelines for 
    Healthy Older People
    A background paper
        
         Citation: Ministry of Health. 2013. Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Older 
               People: A background paper. Wellington: Ministry of Health. 
                       Published in January 2013 by the 
                           Ministry of Health 
                   PO Box 5013, Wellington 6145, New Zealand 
                       ISBN 978-0-478-49396-5 (print) 
                      ISBN 978-0-478-39399-6 (online) 
                             HP 5574 
                  This document is available at www.health.govt.nz 
                                        
               This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence. In essence, you 
       are free to: share ie, copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format; adapt ie, remix, transform and build 
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           Foreword
           Nutrition deserves special attention as people reach older age and is essential for good 
           health. Healthy ageing is associated with physiological, cognitive, social and lifestyle 
           changes that influence dietary intakes and nutritional status.
           This policy advice is aimed at the majority of older New Zealanders who largely maintain 
           physical, mental and social health and independence through most of their lifespan. 
           However, even healthy older people are likely to have experienced some decline in physical 
           function and with advancing age may experience a loss of independence. This background 
           paper provides advice that recognises the higher burden of chronic disease that older 
           people experience and incorporates advice on healthy eating and physical activity for 
           those who are frail.
           The paper brings together all the key areas of food and nutrition affecting the health of 
           older people. It is intended for use by health practitioners, educators and caregivers, so 
           they can provide sound advice and support to older people and their families in regard to 
           maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
           Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Older People: A background paper assists health 
           practitioners to provide advice that enables older people to lead longer, healthier and more 
           independent lives. This paper is part of the series of population group-specific background 
           papers that ensure food and nutrition messages are based on sound evidence.
           Dr Don Mackie
           Chief Medical Officer
           Clinical Leadership Protection and Regulation
                            Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Older People: A background paper
                                                                iii
           Acknowledgements
           The Ministry of Health would like to thank Dr Carol Wham and Dr Rozanne Kruger from 
           Massey University for undertaking the evidence-based literature review and using it to 
           write the initial draft background paper for the Ministry. We also acknowledge Julian 
           Jensen, Katrina Pace, Sandra Olga van Lill, Sally Watson, Gillian Tustin and Dr Graham 
           Davison who contributed to the review.
           The many individuals and groups who gave feedback as part of the public consultation 
           process and the specialists who provided advice have shaped this background paper 
           significantly. The Ministry of Health appreciates the assistance of the many people who 
           have had input during the consultation process.
           Susan Cook and Mary-Ann Carter from the Nutrition and Physical Activity Policy team at 
           the Ministry of Health led the preparation of this paper.
              Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Older People: A background paper
          iv