Older adults represent the most rapidly growing demographic group in the United States. Iowa has an increasing proportion of people who are aged 60 and over. The group of people who are 80 and over is increasing more rapidly than any other age group. Iowa's proportion of older adults in the population exceeds that of the United States as a whole.
In fact, Iowa ranks:
For these groups, successful aging will largely be determined by the degree that physical health and functional independence are maintained. Research has demonstrated that much of the physical and functional decline associated with aging can be prevented with exercise and nutrition.
Older adults desire to have "life added to their years" rather than "years added to their life." Nutrition and physical activity programs supported by the SNAP-Ed Program and the Iowa Nutrition Network can have a significant impact on adding life to the years of Iowa's older adults.
For more specific information about older adults or nutrition programs for older adults, please visit the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs web page at www.state.ia.us/elderaffairs/. For information about Iowa Nutrition Network's older adult nutrition education program, see Chef Charles.
