This is Why they are Australia's Happiest Age Group?
Australians, aged over 50, make up a considerable proportion of the population, with more than seven million people aged between 50 and 75. In 2016, about 14 per cent of people were aged 65 and over, but this is said to grow to 25 per cent by 2060.
Over the past century, life spans have increased by 25 years, and it is predicted that longevity will keep on rising, mainly thanks to medical science breakthroughs and being aware of the importance of a healthy diet combined with regular exercise.
People are seeking the best quality lifestyle as they grow older, so today’s older Australians have never been healthier.
Older Australians are Wealthier
Whilst Baby Boomers (a person who was born between 1946 and 1964) make up a quarter of Australia’s population, they hold more than half the nation’s wealth. They place a greater importance on healthier lifestyles than previous generations and are trend setters when it comes to consuming healthy foods.
Baby Boomers tend to spend less on consumer items but more on personal health and wellness. They’re outnumbering Millennials (covers the generation born between 1980 and 2000) when it comes to interest in functional foods such as fibre, carotenoids, probiotics and vitamins, and they’re aware of foods associated with healthy ageing, bone health, weight management, cardiovascular health and digestive health.
They’re Healthier
Baby Boomers are expected to spend 3 per cent more on health than their parents did. Studies show that Boomers are more conscious of where the products they’re buying come from, and what’s in them: they read food labels and are curious about the origins of their food products. Research also indicates that older people are better at spotting a higher-quality product in general, and are more likely to ‘upgrade’ to premium packaged goods. Generally, Baby Boomers will always try to buy Australian-made goods over a cheaper imported product. The 50-plus market is responsible for driving demand for organic produce and products in Australia, especially in the past 10 years.”
In addition, Boomers show a lot of interest in food-based supplements, superfood blends and proteins with a growing interest in fermented products and gut health in general.
What should Older People Eat
Start by eating a variety of foods from all the food groups, this will help supply the nutrients a person needs as they age. A healthy plan should emphasize fruit, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free dairy; include some lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts; that is low in saturated fats, trans fats, salt (sodium) and added sugars.
Start with these recommendations:
Fruits and vegetables can be fresh, frozen or canned, especially dark green vegetables such as leafy greens or broccoli, and vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes.
Vary your protein choices with more fish, peas and beans.
Eat about three Oz’s of whole-grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice or pasta daily.
To keep your bones healthy have three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy (milk, yogurt or cheese) that are fortified with vitamin D.
Fats you eat should be the healthy ones (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats). Switch from solid fats to oils when preparing food.
Add Physical Activity
The best recipe for health and fitness is to balance your healthy with physical activity. Try to be physically active at least 30 minutes every day — this even can be broken into three 10-minute sessions throughout the day.
For people who are currently inactive, the idea is to start with a few minutes of activity, such as walking, and gradually increase this time as you become stronger and fitter.
As always, check with a health-care provider before beginning a new physical activity program.
