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Introduction

^a Departments of Epidemiology and Medicine and the Nutritional Sciences Program, University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Seattle
^b Nutrition, Metabolism, and Exercise Laboratory, Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock

Adam Drewnowski, 305 Raitt Hall, Box 353410, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 E-mail: adamdrew{at}u.washington.edu.

THE aging process affects human bodies as well as human behaviors. The increasing proportion of elderly people in industrialized countries has led, quite appropriately, to a growing concern about their health and well-being. Although some changes in health status may be unavoidable consequences of the aging process, many more are strongly influenced by health behaviors, physical activity, and diet. There is a growing body of evidence that self-care behaviors affect dietary choices and physical activity habits that may alter the risk of hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and some cancers. Recent studies suggest that diet and physical activity can also have a marked effect on the quality of life of older adults. This may result in improvements in physical, psychological, and social functioning. However, the interrelationships among optimal dietary behaviors, increased levels of physical activity, and improved quality of life have not been explored in detail. That is an area of intense research interest.

The articles in this monograph provide an overview of current research knowledge concerning changes in physical activity, eating habits, and nutrient intakes occurring with aging. In considering the influence of age on diet and physical activity, attention has been given to the epidemiological description of age-associated changes and to the physiological alterations that may cause them. The articles also address the relationship between measures of fitness and nutritional status and the key domains of health, as formulated in the Healthy People 2010 report ⁽¹⁾. The measurement of quality of life in older adults and how quality of life may be affected by physical activity and diet are discussed in detail. Finally, the articles on interventions consider strategies that may be used in a variety of settings to motivate and sustain increased physical activity and improved dietary patterns in older adults.

There is no single segment of our society that can benefit more from regular exercise and improved diet than older adults. Maintenance of function permits older adults to care for themselves, maintain their independence, and enjoy improved life quality. We hope that this collection of articles by outstanding researchers will provide a comprehensive summary of how diet and physical activity behaviors can positively affect both functioning and well-being among this age group. Furthermore, we hope that these articles will call attention to the great potential for improving the quality of life of older adults through improved dietary practices and engagement in safe and enjoyable physical activity.

	Footnotes

 
Address physical activity correspondence to William J. Evans, PhD, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Slot NMEL/NLR, V.A. Medical Center, 2200 Fort Roots Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72114. E-mail:

	References

Top References

 

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy People 2010. 2nd ed. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office; 2000.

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