Find clinic locations for Fort HealthCare and affiliated clinics and services in Jefferson County, Wisconsin.
Find services offered by Fort HealthCare and affiliated clinics in Jefferson County, Wisconsin.
We encourage you, our patient, concerned family member, or area employer to review Fort HealthCare’s information
We coordinate community education and health-related events and screenings for the Fort HealthCare service area.
We change over time. And our eating habits should, too. The recently released Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 address this by including life stages, like older adulthood, for the first time. The guidelines take into account that people ages 60 and up:
Need more nutrients, but fewer calories
Have lost bone and muscle mass
May be overweight or obese
Have a higher risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions
Even now, making small dietary changes can offer numerous health benefits. And it’s never too late to improve your eating habits!
While this life-stage approach is new, the advice for all adults is familiar. The recommendations still emphasize the importance of:
Vegetables—including dark green, red, and orange varieties, as well as peas and lentils
Fruits—whole fruits in particular
Protein—from seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, beans, nuts, and seeds
Grains—primarily whole grains
Dairy—especially fat-free and low-fat products
Oils—including unsaturated vegetable oils and oils found in food, such as nuts and seafood
The best options from each food group are the ones with little or no added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. How many servings should you have? The answer depends on your daily calorie needs, which is based on factors such as your age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity. To calculate this, try the MyPlate Plan tool.
Older adults still need ample fiber, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. However, protein and vitamin B12 become increasingly important with age. Protein helps preserve muscle mass, while vitamin B12 supports brain and nerve function and the creation of red blood cells. Talk with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian nutritionist if you have questions about how to meet your individual nutritional needs.
Also, make sure you get enough water—even if you don’t feel thirsty. Some chronic conditions and medicines make it harder to digest food and absorb nutrients. Not drinking enough fluids compounds these problems. Talk with your provider if bladder control or mobility concerns discourage you from drinking water.
Overall, think of these guidelines as a framework. Have fun tailoring the eating plan to fit your budget, traditions, and preferences! And remember: It’s never too late to benefit from healthier eating habits.