Imperial County Community Obesity Prevention Alliance
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Senior Resources

Below you will find resources specific to older adults. Provided are links to the Imperial County's Area Agency on Aging, curriculum from the United States Department of Agriculture, resources from the National Institute on Aging, and more.

Tips Sheets

Choosing Healthy Meals as You
​Get Older
Healthier Eating and Physical Activity: Tips for Older Adults
Protein: Be Strong, Be Active.
​For Active Older Adults
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Imperial County's Area Agency on Aging

The Imperial County's Area Agency on Aging offer's a variety of services for seniors throughout the Imperial Valley. These services include:
​
Congregate meals

Transportation to designated congregate sites

Home delivered meals

Respite care
Assistance in gaining access to services

Legal advice

Individual counseling

Support groups

Caregiver training

Health insurance counseling and advocacy

More...
Phone:
(442) 265-7000

Address:
778 W. State Street
El Centro, CA 92243

Eat Smart, Live Strong: Nutrition Education for Older Adults

The United States Department of Agriculture has a curriculum called Eat Smart, Live Strong which is specifically targeted towards older adults. It is an intervention designed to improve fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity among 60-74 year old's participating in or eligible for nutrition assistance programs.

The Eat Smart, Live Strong Activity Kit promotes two key behaviors:

Consume 3 1/2 cups of fruit and vegetables per day
Participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity  most days of the week


For information on development of the intervention,
see the Project Overview

MyPlate for Older Adults

MyPlate for Older Adults is based on the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Most guidelines apply to adults of any age, while the new MyPlate offers adjustments to meet the needs of older Americans. The MyPlate for Older Adults was developed by Tufts University with support from AARP. 
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Fruits and veggies dominate. Half of your plate should be fruits and vegetables. Dark, leafy vegetables are particularly rich in nutrients.These plant-based foods also play an important role in fiber consumption. 
Colorful choices are healthy. Whole fruits and vegetables with deeply colored flesh are best (e.g. berries, cherries, kale, red bell pepper)
Frozen and canned foods are fine. For seniors, canned and frozen foods can be convenient alternatives. They last longer than fresh produce, may simplify portion control, and control food waste. Choose canned goods packed in 100% juice or in low-sodium, no-salt-added varieties. Frozen fruits and vegetables are picked at their peak, and flash frozen, therefore they provide the same amount, if not more, nutrients than fresh. 
Calories matter. As people get older, their need for energy from food decreases. So it is important to strategically consume more nutrient-dense foods, which provide fewer calories.
Salt is off the table. 
Herbs and spices boost flavor. In order to minimize salt consumption, use herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of foods.
Healthy oils for healthy fat. Liquid vegetables oils and soft margarine fill the center MyPlate circle. That’s because they provide an important source of fatty acids and some fat-soluble vitamins.
Don't forget fluids. Water, tea, coffee, soups and even fruits and vegetables provide essential fluid. There can be a disconnect between thirst and hydration, Lichtenstein said. "When we're younger, we pretty much get thirsty when we need fluid," she said. "When we get older, that's not always the case."
Protein comes in many sources. Nuts, beans, fish, lean meat and eggs all provide protein. MyPlate recommends choosing a variety of sources, including certain dairy products.
Dairy has a place. Milk, cheeses and yogurts contain calcium, protein and other nutrients. The key is choosing fat-free or low-fat versions, according to MyPlate.
Grains give fiber. Whole grains, such as pasta and bread, and fortified foods including cereal provide dietary fiber and B vitamins. "For older adults, there's more emphasis on grains – especially whole grains," Lichtenstein says.
The "active" ingredient. To emphasize the importance of regular exercise for seniors, physical activity is incorporated in the "placemat" section of the new MyPlate, with symbols of walking, biking and swimming.


Source: https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/2016-05-25/myplate-for-older-adults-adjusts-eating-guidelines

Go4Life

Go4Life is an exercising and physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging at NIH designed to help you fit exercise and physical activity into your daily life. Go4Life offers exercises, motivational tips, and free resources to help you get ready, start exercising, and maintaining that momentum. 
​
Workout to Go

Try These Exercises

Tip Sheets
​

Exercise and Physical Activity: Your Everyday Guide from the National Institute on Aging
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Workout to Go
Designed to fit easily into your travel bag or purse, Workout to Go can help you stay in shape for the activities you enjoy the most with these 13 easy-to-follow exercises
​Download PDF
More Exercises
Many tend to focus on one activity or type of exercise and think they’re doing enough, but the goal is creativity. Incorporate all four types of exercise:
ENDURANCE,     STRENGTH,    BALANCE, 
​and
 FLEXIBILITY.
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Additional Resources:

What's on Your Plate? Smart Food Choices for Healthy Aging
Know Your Food Groups
How Much Physical Activity Do Older Adults Need?Choose MyPlate for Older Adults
  • HOME
  • About Us
  • Taking Action
    • COPA Meetings
    • Education & Training
    • Past Projects
  • Workgroups
    • Nutrition/ Healthy Eating Workgroup
    • Food Security Workgroup
    • Physical Activity Workgroup
  • Resources
    • CalFresh
    • Child Care Providers
    • Families
    • Senior Living
    • Community Directories
    • COVID- 19 >
      • Toddlers & Children
      • Elementary School
      • Middle & High School
      • Parents & Caregivers
      • Adults
      • Seniors & Older Adults
  • Learn
    • Healthy Eating >
      • MyPlate
      • Recipes
      • Rethink Your Drink
    • Active Living >
      • Safe Route to Schools
      • Community Gardens >
        • Gardening Resources
  • Partners
  • Contact Us

For more information contact:
[email protected]
© 2019 Community Obesity Prevention Alliance