New dietary strategies addressing the specific needs of elderly population for an healthy ageing in Europe

A project supported by the European Commission under the Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology Theme of the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development.

The project is coordinated by the University of Bologna. It is a multidisciplinary consortium with 29 partners from 17 EU countries including research institutes across Europé, food industry, including SME and national and European associations.

The overall objectives are to improve health and quality of life in the EU ageing population and to get insight into how a whole diet approach may impact on and counteract age-related decline.

The specific objectives are:
- New FOOD PYRAMID for 65+ EU citizens: NU-AGE diet
- Contribute to dietary standards, recommendations and food-based guidelines for the EU elderly
- Design industrially driven fortified foods specifically targeted to postponed ageing decline

Highlights of the research to be undertaken:
- A one-year dietary intervention on 1250 elderly subjects across 5 countries
- Based on the NU-AGE food pyramid for 65+
- Designed to meet the nutritional needs of the elderly
- Participants will receive advice, fortified foods and further support
- The effects of the diet will be determined via the collection of biochemical markers for pre- and post-intervention
- Socio-economic determinants for food choice will be investigated
- Best ways to communicate dietary recommendations to 65+ will be explored