DIETARY GUIDANCE AND NUTRIENT-REQUIREMENTS OF THE ELDERLY

Basic practical advice about healthy food choices is reviewed via the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Food Guide Pyramid, and Daily Va lues on Food Labels. Special considerations for their use with the hea lthy elderly are included. Nutrient requirements of the elderly are pr esented for the oldest RDA age category, ''51+ years and older'' as is newer research on altered nutrient needs that accompany aging. The Nu trition Counseling Checklist helps determine when referral for in-dept h diet therapy is needed.