Fruit and Vegetable Consumption - Ages 65+

Fruit and Vegetable Consumption - Ages 65+ in California

California

Eating more fruits and vegetables can contribute to a healthy diet and help older adults meet nutrient recommendations. Consuming whole fruits and vegetables daily can reduce the risk of early mortality, disability, digestive disorders and chronic diseases, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis and stroke in older adults. High fruit and vegetable consumption helps protect against cognitive decline and is linked to higher quality of life, longer physical functioning and higher bone density among older adults. 

Fruits and vegetables tend to be low in calories and high in nutrients and fiber. Blueberries, apples, cherries, grapes, butternut squash, asparagus, broccoli and kale are particularly high in nutrients, vitamins and minerals that support healthy aging.

Barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption include accessibility — a major issue for older adults who live in areas identified as food deserts — and difficulty preparing and chewing fruits and vegetables.

The prevalence of fruit and vegetable consumption is higher among:

• Older women compared with older men.
• Older adults with a college education compared with those with less education.
• Older adults with an annual household income of $50,000 or more compared with those with an income of less than $49,999.
• Older adults living in metropolitan areas compared with those living in non-metropolitan areas.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers strategies to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, including:

• Developing more farm-to-institution food services that provide locally sourced fresh fruits and vegetables to workplaces, hospitals, cafeterias, faith-based organizations and other venues.
• Expanding new and existing farmers’ markets for direct access to seasonal fruits and vegetables.
• Improving the selection of foods available at local grocery stores.
• Partnering with organizations that deliver produce or full meals to seniors, such as Meals on Wheels. Meal delivery programs have been shown to increase fruit and vegetable consumption for older adults in senior centers.
• Encouraging older adults to keep readily available raw fruits and vegetables on hand. 
• Offering nutrition education via cooking workshops for older adults.

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