What should a healthy diet for older adults encompass?

A healthy diet for older adults should encompass a variety of nutrient-dense foods that promote overall health and well-being. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein-rich foods, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Such foods provide essential vitamins and minerals, are generally low in added sugars and unhealthy fats, and help to support the immune system, maintain muscle mass, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

As individuals age, their dietary needs change; therefore, it becomes increasingly important to consume a balanced diet that includes adequate protein to maintain muscle strength, enough fiber for digestive health, and a variety of micronutrients for cognitive and physical well-being. Including low-fat dairy products can assist in meeting calcium requirements which are crucial for bone health.

The other options focus on less healthy dietary choices that may contribute to adverse health effects. Processed foods and sugars, high-fat meats and fried foods, as well as sugary snacks and desserts, are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium, which can exacerbate health issues such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes—conditions that tend to be more prevalent in older adults. Thus, option B is the most suitable choice for promoting a healthy diet tailored to the needs of older adults.