Eating healthy is not always easy for older adults. As a person ages, appetite may dim and metabolism slows. Too often seniors buy ready-to-eat meals lacking in nutrients; others live on a fixed income. All this can all affect the quality of one's food choices.

"Eating well is vital at any age, but as you get older, your daily food choices can make an important difference in your health."

Yet as we age, our bodies still require essential nutrients to help us maintain function. A healthy diet is also vital for avoiding illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, some types of cancer and anemia.

To help seniors answer common questions associated with diet and nutrition, the National Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine have teamed up to establish a new nutrition page for NIHSeniorHealth, a health and wellness Web site for older adults. By visiting