Facts About the Health of Older People in B.C.

How healthy are older people in B.C.?

Healthy Eating:

Healthy eating is fundamental to maintain the health of older people. (7) Yet, according to the B.C. Nutrition Survey (2004):

  • Slightly less than 50% of older men and close to 60% of older women do not eat the recommended five servings of vegetables and fruit daily. (7)
    • This leads to inadequate intake of important vitamins and minerals, including folate, responsible for healthy blood and bones and nerve functioning, as well as insufficient dietary fibre for digestive system health.  (7)
  • A large percentage of B.C. older people do not meet the minimum recommendations for grain products, milk products, and meat and alternatives. (7)
  • More older men and women need to take their vitamin D supplement (400 IU) every day. (7)