First, the good news: With advances in science and technology, the average life expectancy for Americans has jumped up by about 25 years. In fact, the fastest growing segment of the population is the 85-plus age group. Unfortunately, this longevity comes with a price.

As you age, you become increasingly susceptible to chronic illness, including heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer, and arthritis. And while advances in the healthcare industry can help fend off diseases and other consequences of aging, medicine alone is not enough.

Senior Health Image Gallery

senior health
As you get older, your body's ability to combat disease
 naturally decreases. Fortunately, the proper diet
and exercise plan can help you live a long,
healthy life. See more pictures related to senior health.

A healthy lifestyle is always your greatest asset. What you eat and drink and how physically active you are all greatly influence your risk of disease. However -- now that you're older -- your dietary needs are changing. Suddenly, nutrients that were important when you were younger can be dangerous at high doses. Also, you've probably noticed you cannot hit the gym with the same reckless abandon you had twenty years ago.

In the articles below, we have mapped out your changing nutrition needs in detailed, easy-to-understand language. We have also rated various diet plans and shown how they will work for an individual over the age of 50. Because diet and exercise go together, we've provided step-by-step instructions on how to start an exercise program that will suit your lifestyle. Finally, we will help you navigate your way through the jungle of herbs and supplements that claim to have fantastic anti-aging properties. To begin learning about your changing health needs as a senior, see:

What Causes Aging

The Aging Process

How Nutrition for Seniors Works

How to Eat Right as a Senior

How to Lose Weight as a Senior

How to Choose a Weight-Loss Diet for Seniors

Rating Anti-Aging Diets for Seniors

Rating Low-Carb Diets for Seniors

Rating Low-Fat Diets for Seniors

Rating Calorie-Control Diets for Seniors

Rating Alternative Diets for Seniors

A Guide to Botanicals for Seniors

A Guide to Supplement for Seniors

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.