As we get older, nutrition is more important than ever. Here, we investigate the best diet for senior health.
In stark contrast to much of the western world, people who live on the Greek island of Ikaria have a good chance of making it into their 90s in good health. Experts speculate there are a few reasons for this. One is regular exercise. Ikaria is mountainous, so just visiting a shop is physically demanding. Another is a strong sense of community, which keeps rates of depression low. And another is diet.
Ikaria is one of the world’s five official Blue Zones. Like Okinawa in Japan and Nicoya in Costa Rica, its population follows a diet that is 95 to 100 percent plant-based. And we’re not talking vegan meats and processed foods, but rather fresh fruits, leafy greens, grains, beans, and legumes. So is a plant-based, whole foods diet the best for senior health? If Blue Zones are anything to go by, it certainly appears that way. Here, we take a closer look at why.
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