Live long and healthily

Nothing, including diet, can stop us from aging, but the appropriate choice of foods and a healthy lifestyle can help us to lead long and happy lives.

A healthy lifestyle will help to delay the chronic diseases that are common in later life such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes (type 2) and osteoporosis and help combat other conditions associated with ageing, such as inflamed joints, flagging memory, and failing eyesight. This will improve our quality of life as we grow older and may increase life expectancy.

Of course, the benefits are greatest if you start early in life, but don't use this as an excuse - it's never too late to reap the benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

The British Nutrition Foundation have carried out a great deal of research into healthy ageing, the following are their top tips for a long and healthy life. If you click on any of the tips below they link to more information on the British Nutrition Foundation's website.

• Eat an enjoyable and varied diet
• Watch your weight
• Eat plenty of fruit and veg
• Opt for healthier fats
• Include oily fish in your diet
• Get enough fibre
• Reduce your salt intake
• Eat calcium-rich foods
• Boost B vitamins
• Keep well hydrated
• Look after your teeth
• Stay active
• Go easy on alcohol
• Take a vitamin D supplement if you are over 65
• Remember supplements and functional foods don't replace a healthy diet
• Don't smoke
• Get enough sleep
• Keep your brain stimulated

The British Nutrition Foundation's website is a great resource if you want to find out more on healthy ageing. As well as the top tips above, they have various other features including recipe ideas, news and reports, and a food chart that indicates which food is good for each part of the body.

Visit the British Nutrition Foundation website...

16.02.09

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