(Washington, D.C., March 26, 2010)—This week the International Food Information Council Foundation officially launched its Healthy Aging Initiative. The goal of the Foundation’s initiative is to provide food safety, nutrition, and healthful eating and activity resources to help the Boomer generation make informed food choices for themselves and the older adults for whom they provide care. Making improvements to one’s lifestyle, at any age, can help reduce the risk of chronic disease and improve overall health.

The adage “aging gracefully” is more than a notion.  The Foundation, through its Web site www.foodinsight.org, has created resources on topics ranging from diabetes to heart health to food safety—all to ensure that as we age, we have at our disposal science-based nutrition and health information to help us live longer, feel better, and, indeed, age with grace.

“The launch of the Foundation's Healthy Aging section will help us improve or maintain our health as we age,” says Dr. Nancy Wellman, Chair of the Information Food Information Council Foundation Board of Trustees. She is an affiliated faculty member at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University in Boston and former director of the National Resource Center on Nutrition, Physical Activity and Aging at Florida International University.  “It’s never too late or too early to begin thinking of ways to prolong our lives and our independence through healthful eating habits.” 

The Healthy Aging resource page, which can be found at: http://www.foodinsight.org/For-Consumers/Healthy-Aging.aspx offers a wealth of information to help adults live well and live longer.  A few of the resources include: 

• Diabetes and Aging—Get tips and resources related to diabetes, including information on low-calorie sweeteners, carbohydrates, managing blood sugar and more. 
   
• Heart Health and Aging—Learn more about how to promote heart health and reduce your risk of developing heart disease
   
• Cancer Risk Reduction—Numerous research studies have shown that a healthful diet and a strong immune system are important in reducing the risk of many diseases, including cancer.  This section includes a video by IFIC Foundation Public Liaison Member John A. Milner, PhD, Chief, Nutritional Science Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health. 
   
• Food Safety—Cooking practices can have an enormous impact on the safety of your food. Get the facts on how to handle and store food. 
   
• Bones, Muscles, Eyes, and Everything Else—Get advice on the proper care for the wear and tear that may be pushing the foundation of your body, including your eyes, muscles, and bones, as well as digestion.

As this initiative progresses, the Foundation will continue to develop materials such as videos, brochures and more.  

For additional information on healthy aging or to schedule an interview with an expert, please contact the Foundation media team at 202-296-6540, Mittenthal@ific.org or Matthews@ific.org.