If you're concerned about eating healthy well into your twilight years, be on the lookout for another food guide pyramid designed just for you. The Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults was developed by researchers at Tufts University. This is a food guide pyramid aimed at adults ages 70 and older who are healthy and live independently. 

Why do older people need their own pyramid? Simply stated, aging bodies require fewer calories. As we age, muscle mass decreases and we become less active. At the same time, though, older folks also require the same amounts-and sometimes more-of certain nutrients. Older adults can definitely benefit from eating nutrient-dense foods. 

So let's dig in to the Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults. Here's a snapshot of its most important recommendations:

• Include foods that contain nutrients that are often low in the diets of older adults, such as calcium, vitamins D and E, and fiber. Some of these foods include milk, yogurt, cheese, fish, eggs, oils, whole grain cereals, and of course fruits and vegetables.
• While fresh, locally grown produce is always preferred, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables are good alternatives.
• The row of water glasses at the bottom of the pyramid is a reminder to drink plenty of fluids, as dehydration occurs more often in older adults and can result in serious consequences like confusion. Remember that alcohol and caffeine can leech water from your body.
• The flag at the top of the pyramid reminds us that older adults may need fortified food or supplements of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 to meet their needs. 
• Physical activity is also included by showing pictures of people doing activities that should be easier for older people to do, such as walking, gardening, and water aerobics. 

One reminder: This new pyramid is not a substitute for but rather a supplement to MyPyramid. Older adults may be less computer-savvy and not be able to use MyPyramid, so it was felt that a graphic depiction of a food guide pyramid was necessary. Do you think this is a helpful graphic to help you eat better?