Seniors are better than younger people at getting their servings of fruit and vegetables, but that's still not saying much. Only 30 percent of people 65 and older eat five or more daily servings of fruit and vegetables, which is the minimum amount recommended for good nutrition.
Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables is especially important as you get older, because the nutrients and fiber in these foods can help reduce high blood pressure, lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers, stave off eye and digestive problems — and simply satisfy your hunger.
How Big Is One Serving of Fruit or Vegetables?
Before you try to eat an entire bunch of bananas or a bushel of apples, know this: One serving of fruit or vegetables equals half a cup, or about the amount you could hold in a cupped hand. Nutrition experts used to recommend five servings of fruit and vegetables per day, but that’s probably no longer enough, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Individual needs are different, and depending on age, gender, and level of physical activity, you’ll require between 5 and 13 servings of fruit and vegetables each day.
To help determine your specific needs, visit the CDC’s fruit and vegetable calculator.
Meeting Your Healthy Eating Goal for Fruit and Vegetables
Follow these simple tips for increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables you eat each day:
- Add fruit and vegetables to your favorite dishes. Find ways to incorporate fruit and vegetables into foods you already eat. For example, stir fruit into your cereal or yogurt, add strawberries or blueberries to your pancakes, pack your sandwich with extra veggies, add vegetable toppings to your pizza, stir greens into your favorite casserole or pasta dish, or stuff your omelet with extra vegetables.
- Display your produce. Put your fruit and vegetables out on the counter or in a prominent position in the refrigerator, so that you'll be more likely to eat them.
- Try new things. Next time you go to the grocery store, pick out a new fruit or vegetable to try.
- Cook vegetarian. At least once every week, skip the meat (you could join in on Meatless Monday) and try a new vegetarian recipe for dinner.
- Snack away. Try snacking on fresh or dried fruit, carrot and bell pepper strips with a low-fat dip, or baked chips with fresh salsa.
Why We Eat Less as We Age
As you get older, certain age-related changes can make it more difficult to get the fruit and vegetables you need, such as:
- Difficulty chewing. Some people have dental problems that make it harder to chew, resulting in a reduced interest in eating.
- Changes in taste. Your sense of taste can change as you get older, so you may avoid some of the foods you used to enjoy.
- Mobility problems. For older people who are no longer able to drive, it may be difficult to get out and shop for fresh produce.
- Lack of motivation to cook. If you live alone, you may not feel like cooking just for one.
- Changes in appetite. For many people, getting older means that you just aren't as hungry as you used to be.
To get the most out of the fruit and vegetables you eat, aim for variety. Eat many different types of fruit and vegetables in a rainbow of colors. This will help ensure that you get the variety of nutrients your body needs for healthy aging.
Last Updated: 2/13/2015