Whether in Your 20s or 60s, Eating and Exercising Based on Age Can
Help You Live a Happier, Healthier, More Active Life

NEPTUNE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 27, 2006--As the oldest of the
78 million baby boomers turn 60 this year, it's apparent that
Americans aren't getting any younger. However, we are getting smarter,
especially about the foods and types of exercise we need during
different stages of life to ensure we continue to be happy, healthy,
active adults.


"While people should eat nutritious foods throughout their lives to
maintain and protect health, nutritional needs change as we get older.
Therefore, adjusting diet based on age is important," explains
Elizabeth Somer, registered dietitian and author of several nutrition
books, including Food & Mood, Age-Proof Your Body and the most recent,
10 Habits That Mess Up a Woman's Diet.

Experts suggest that people of all ages should eat colorful fruits and
vegetables such as blueberries and spinach, whole grains such as oats,
lean protein such as chicken breast and fish, and certain healthy fats
found in foods such as olive oil. These foods provide the vitamins,
minerals, fiber and other nutrients that help promote health and
protect against serious diseases, including cancer and heart disease.

"Choosing these good-for-you foods, while avoiding foods that are
unhealthy, has a profound effect on future good health," continues
Somer. "Besides, eating well is so easy. For example, olive oil, which
is loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, can be used in place
of other oils, butter or margarine in sauteing, cooking and baking."
Research supporting the heart-health benefits of olive oil was strong
enough for the Food and Drug Administration to recently approve a
health claim linking the consumption of olive oil to a lowered risk of
heart disease, based on a petition filed by the North American Olive
Oil Association (NAOOA).

20s and 30s: Developing Good Habits

If people haven't developed good eating and exercising habits by their
20s and 30s, now is the time to start. "Aging begins much earlier than
people realize, so the sooner people make diet and exercise changes to
promote health, the more likely they will avoid premature aging and
age-related diseases," says Somer.

For example, people reach peak bone mass around age 30, meaning bones
have reached maximum density. Therefore, after age 30, people need to
focus on slowing inevitable bone loss by choosing foods packed with
bone-building nutrients such as calcium and vitamins D and K.

Women in this age group also should consume foods rich in iron, a
nutrient that aids in carrying oxygen to tissue and preventing
fatigue.

Beginning signs of heart disease and diabetes, such as elevated blood
cholesterol and blood sugar levels, are showing up in younger age
groups, sometimes as early as the adolescence or teen years. In the
20s and 30s, halting these diseases by choosing heart-healthy foods
could mean the difference between developing diabetes or suffering a
stroke or heart attack later in life.

During the 20s and 30s, simple lifestyle changes help address these
issues. Healthful changes include replacing salty snacks with crunchy,
colorful fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots, and
switching from refined, white bread to 100 percent whole wheat bread.
People also should fill their plates with dark, leafy green vegetables
such as spinach, which is a rich source of iron and folate, as well as
calcium and vitamin K. Also, use olive oil for dressings on salads or
drizzled over roasted vegetables to help maintain healthy cholesterol
levels.

40s and 50s: Protecting Health

Weight management is an important health issue for people in their 40s
and 50s. People who are not vigorously active at this age begin
trading muscle for fat. Additionally, metabolism begins to slow during
these years. This combination results in weight gain that can elevate
the risk of developing certain diseases. Choosing foods rich in
nutrients that also are lower in calories becomes increasingly
important.

Women after age 55 and men after age 45 are at greatest risk for
developing atherosclerosis - a clogging, narrowing and hardening of
the large arteries and medium-sized blood vessels, which can lead to
stroke and heart attack. People need to begin an aerobic exercise
program such as walking, biking or swimming to keep their hearts
functioning well.

For women, consuming foods rich in calcium and vitamin D helps slow
the rapid loss of bone during the early post-menopausal years.

To eat for this age, people should consume at least three servings of
calcium-rich foods each day, including nonfat milk; calcium-fortified
orange juice; or plain, low-fat yogurt. Also, people should continue
to eat colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, as
well as foods containing heart-healthy fats, including olive oil,
which can help lower cholesterol levels.

Over 60: Enjoying the Payoff

Eating well throughout adulthood pays off when people reach their 60s.
Consuming healthy foods helps prevent the most common diseases that
afflict this age group, including diabetes, cancer, stroke,
hypertension and heart disease.

People in their 60s should continue with the healthy eating habits
established earlier in life by enjoying a diet rich in vitamins,
minerals and fiber found in fruits and vegetables as well as healthy
fats, such as the monounsaturated fat found in olive oil. They also
should add strength-building exercise to their aerobic routine to
protect against muscle loss associated with loss of balance, frailty
and feebleness.

"Eating well and exercising is the first line of defense against
aging," explains Somer. "Nutrient-rich foods and the right amount of
exercise deliver important health benefits during each stage of life
and are essential to staying happy, healthy and active, regardless of
age." For more information, visit http://naooa.reporterville.com.

About the North American Olive Oil Association

Established in 1989, the NAOOA is a trade association of marketers,
packagers and importers of olive oil in the United States, Canada and
their respective suppliers abroad. The association strives to foster a
better understanding of olive oil and its taste, versatility and
health benefits. For more information about olive oil and the NAOOA,
visit www.aboutoliveoil.org.


Steam-Sauteed Green Beans with Olive Oil, Lemon Zest and Parsley

Try this easy and extremely tasty recipe to reap the age-enhancing
health benefits of green beans and olive oil. This dish is loaded with
vitamins C and A and heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.

Preparation Notes: Hazelnuts are equally good in this simple
preparation. Or, leave the nuts out altogether and flavor the beans
with only lemon zest and parsley.
Prep Time: 5 to 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes

1/4 cup slivered almonds
1 pound green beans, stem-end trimmed, and halved
4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Heat a small Dutch oven or medium skillet over medium-low heat. When
pan is hot, add the almonds and toast, stirring frequently, until they
are golden brown and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Add green beans, 1/3 cup water, oil and salt. Increase heat to
medium-high, cover and cook until steam escapes around pan lid. Set
timer for 5 minutes and continue to steam until green beans are
brightly colored and just tender. Remove lid and continue to cook
until water evaporates and green beans start to saute, 1 to 2 minutes
longer. Turn off heat, stir in toasted almonds, lemon peel and
parsley. Serve immediately.

4 servings; 1/2 cup each
(C) Copyright North American Olive Oil Association

Nutrition Information Per Serving
Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories 110 Calories from Fat 70
----------------------------------------------------
% Daily Value
Total Fat 8 g 12%
Saturated Fat 1 g 5%
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Sodium 290 mg 12%
Total Carbohydrate 9 g 3%
Dietary Fiber 4 g 16%
Sugars 2 g
Protein 3 g
-----------------------------------------------------
Vitamin A 15%
Vitamin C 20%
Calcium 6%
Iron 10%
-----------------------------------------------------