A new resource is available that offers easy recipes featuring Ontario-grown products to promote healthy aging.
The resource was created by a research team at the University of Guelph in collaboration with Agri-food for Healthy Aging (AHA) and the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging.
Nutrition plays an important role in health, and this is especially true when aging.
The risk of developing a number of chronic diseases increases with age, and nutrition can influence this risk. Older adults can also experience nutritional challenges such as taste changes and limitations in their ability to prepare healthy foods.
In 2013, Statistics Canada reported that 34% of people older than 65 years of age are at nutritional risk.
Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods is one strategy to help ensure proper nutrition.
Fortunately, Ontario produces a large variety of foods that offer health benefits, making it easier for older adults to take a ‘food-first’ approach to healthy aging.
A research team, led by AHA research scientist Alison Duncan developed a Recipe Resource for Healthy Aging that features Ontario-grown foods and their benefits for health as people age.
The resource features 50 recipes including beverages, breakfasts, snacks, soups and stews, salads, sides, mains and desserts.
The evidence-based age-related health benefits of the Ontario-grown foods are highlighted, and cooking tips are provided to offer ideas for ingredient substitutions and strategies to make preparation easier.
Testimonials from older adults and Ontario farmers appear throughout.
The resource is available on the AHA website at www.aha.the-ria.ca.
