Keep fit for life

Keep fit for life : meeting the nutritional needs of older persons. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers' products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters. The World Health Organization does not warrant that the information contained in this publication is complete and correct and shall not be liable for any damages incurred as a result of its use. The named authors alone are responsible for the views expressed in this publication. Contents iii Abbreviations & acronyms vi Foreword vii 1. Summary of recommendations 1 1.1 Nutrient intakes 1 1.2 Food-based dietary guidelines 3 1.3 Phytochemicals 4 1.4 Water intake 4 1.5 Exercise and physical activity 4 1.5.1 Aerobic exercise 5 1.5.2 Strength training 5 2. Epidemiological and social aspects of ageing 6 2.1 Demography 6 2.2 Reasons for population ageing 7 2.3 Improvements in biological age 8 2.4 Health status of older persons 8 2.5 Functioning and disability 9 2.5.1 Coronary heart disease and stroke 10 2.5.2 Cancer 10 2.5.3 Osteoporosis and bone fractures 10 2.6 Nutrition problems in low-income countries 11 2.7 Malnutrition and food security 11 2.8 Government response to ageing populations 12 2.9 Prevention of chronic disease at every stage of life 12 2.10 Nutritional components in chronic diseases 14 2.10.1 Coronary heart disease 14 2.10.2 Cancer 14 2.10.3 Stroke 15 2.10.4 Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus 15 2.