2002 News Archive
THE “SANDWICH GENERATION”: ARE THEY WHAT THEY EAT?
Denver (February 23, 2002) – San Jose women who belong to the "sandwich" generation – baby boomers squeezed between caring for their aging parents and growing children, while trying to take care of themselves – may not be tuned in to what it takes to make a "healthy sandwich."
A recent survey of area women revealed that there are some major misconceptions when it comes to consuming a healthy diet as they age. For instance:
- Less than 25%
of respondents said eating foods rich in nutrients was top priority to maintaining their health.
- Nearly 50%
said they should consume less beef as they age, compared to only 5% who said the same for chicken and 2% for fish.
- Nearly 90%
said they should consume more vitamin and mineral supplements
.
"The survey clearly shows that women in this age group have some misperceptions about what constitutes a healthy diet for themselves or those they care for," said Jeanne Goldberg, Ph.D., R.D., professor of Nutrition and Director of the Center on Nutrition Communication at the
Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, and member of the Council for Women’s Nutrition Solutions (CWNS).
"They don’t seem to realize that food is still an important element for both physical and mental health as they age. And, since caloric needs decrease while many nutrient needs remain the same or increase, it becomes even more important to choose foods such as lean red meat, along with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grain, and dairy products to obtain adequate vitamins and minerals essential to protecting and maintaining their health."
In fact, for men and women over the age of 50, a 3-ounce serving of lean beef provides:
- More than 90% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamin B12.
Inadequate B-vitamin intake has been linked to increased heart disease in older adults. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in anemia, and in the extreme, neurological problems like poor balance and impaired memory.
- More than 50% of the RDA for zinc.
Older adults frequently have marginal zinc intakes. Zinc plays an important role in the maintenance of a healthy immune system, the production of insulin and testosterone, and tissue repair, optimal wound healing and taste acuity.
- More than 40% of the RDA for vitamin B6.
Older adults require more vitamin B6 due to age-related declines in levels of vitamin B6 in blood, which may affect immunity.
- At least 40% of the RDA for protein.
Protein is especially important to help preserve muscle mass and a strong immune system in older adults. In fact, some research indicates that protein recommendations for older adults may increase to 1.0 to 1.25 g/kg body weight, which is somewhat higher than the current RDA of 0.8 g/kg body weight.
- More than 30% of the RDA for iron
. Iron deficiency may be a concern for some older adults who have limited intake of iron from red meat due to misguided attempts to decrease fat intake. In fact, the type of iron in red meat is absorbed more effectively than that in vegetable foods. Iron deficiency causes anemia, which can result in weakness, irritability and decreased concentration.
"As people age they begin thinking about heart disease and high cholesterol and may cut back on foods they consider to be high in fat," said Goldberg. "However, many don’t realize that nutrient-rich foods such as beef can be very lean, and that more than half the fat in beef is the same heart-healthy fatty acid found in olive oil and championed by health professionals for its cholesterol-lowering ability."
The survey also revealed a knowledge gap when it comes to which foods are richest in nutrients essential to health throughout life.
40% think tuna is the best food source for zinc.
In fact, beef is the number one food source of zinc.4
- 65% think spinach is the best source of iron.
In fact, beef is the third most abundant source of iron behind fortified ready-to-eat cereals and yeast breads.
- Nearly 40% think kidney beans are the best source of protein.
In fact, a 3-ounce serving of lean beef has about 4 times more protein than a ½ cup serving of kidney beans.
- Nearly 80% said broccoli was the best source of B-vitamins.
While broccoli is a good source of folate, it contains virtually no other B-vitamins. However, beef is an excellent source of vitamin B12 and a good source of vitamin B6, niacin and riboflavin.
"This population is so stretched for time and energy that they aren’t even aware of the nutrients they need, let alone the foods that provide them," said Roseann Lyle Ph.D., M.Ed., F.A.C.S.M, Associate Professor of Health Promotion at Purdue University and member of the CWNS. "However, it is essential for baby boomers to understand the importance of proper nutrition and regular exercise – for both themselves and those they care for – to lead healthful, happy lives."
"Proper nutrition can reduce the risk for many chronic diseases associated with aging, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis. In addition, a healthy diet helps fuel activity which enhances mobility, maintains strength and energy, and also improves one’s mental health."
"Americans are living longer. In fact, in the next 30 years nearly one in four Americans will be older than 65," said Goldberg. "In order to make the most of those years, people need to learn about and establish healthy habits early on and carry them through all of life’s stages."
Beef industry nutrition education programs are funded by beef producers through their $1-per-head checkoff program and are managed for the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and state beef councils by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The national beef checkoff is administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. This 110-member board is appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to oversee the collection of the $1-per-head checkoff, certify state beef councils, implement the provisions of the Federal Order establishing the checkoff and evaluate the effectiveness of checkoff programs.
Producer-directed and consumer-focused, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association is the trade association of America’s cattle farmers and ranchers, and the marketing organization for the largest segment of the nation’s food and fiber industry
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