Diet During Late Adulthood

DIET DURING LATE ADULTHOOD

Currently, the fastest-growing age group in the United States is that of people age 85 and older. The average life expectancy in this country is now 81 years for women and 76 years for men (National Center for Health Statistics, 2008). It is expected that by the year 2030 there will be 65 million people in the United States 80 years and older. Consequently, gerontology, the study of aging, is of increasing importance.

The rate of aging varies. Each person is affected by heredity, emotional and physical stress, and nutrition. Research continues to reveal more about the causes of aging and the role of nutrition in the aging process.