Ola Lau Nut 3100 5-1-2010

Elder aging issues:

Decreased muscle mass (sarcopenia) experienced

by 45% of US population ages 60 and older

Increased visceral adiposity and subsequent

elevated inflammatory status; increased C-

reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)

Elder aging issues (continued):

Declining physical function Decreased calorie needs while maintaining adequate nutritional intake

More than 70% of elderly aged 60 or older are overweight or obese

Caloric restriction (CR) extends longevityfor worms, yeast, rats, mice, dogs, flies, hamsters, and monkeys Could humans experience similar benefits? Studies of CR (without malnutrition) in Okinawans, though not conclusive, indicate extended average and maximum lifespan Okinawans: 83.8 yrs average lifespan/104.9 yrs maximum Americans: 78.9 yrs average lifespan/101.3 yrs maximum CR (11% below Harris-Benedict equation) helped lower risk for age-related diseases in the Okinawan population

DHEA levels (more is better) higher in Okinawans CR research done on rhesus monkeys and rats showed sarcopenia delayed, possibly prevented Rats displayed lower fat mass, less secretion of inflammatory makers (CRP, IL-6) Higher physical performance scores for rats

Aging issue: nutritious, reduced calorie diets Maintaining healthy BMI Okinawans ate 11% less than Benedict-Harris equation recommended with mostly adequate nutrient intake (low in vitamins D, B2, B12) Diet high in vegetables, sweet potato and soy as

principal proteins

Average BMI of study population was 21.2

Under the guidance of a nutrition expert (RD) appropriateness of CR can be determined All elders (and the rest of us!) can benefit from higher intake of nutrient dense foods (vegetables,

fruit, plant proteins, whole grains)

Incorporating nutrition advice with physical activity, positive mental attitude, and supportive

social environment can add years and quality to

life

Question: Is it ever too late? Answer: No!

A study done on rats showed that CR had the potential to improve age-related decline even when initiated later in the life cycle

AARP, insurance company mailings

Flyer to be made available in medical waiting

rooms, exam rooms, senior centers, rec centers

Flyer to be enlarged for display in the

previously mentioned sites

Flyer to be posted on websites that are

relevant to seniors

Colman R, Beasley T, Allison D, Weindruch R. Attenuation of sarcopenia by dietary restriction in rhesus monkeys. Journal of Gerontology [serial online]. 2008; 63A; 6: 556-559. You T, Sonntag W, Leng X, Carter C. Lifelong caloric restriction and interleukin-6 secretion from adipose tissue: effects on physical performance decline in aged rats. Journal of Gerontology [serial online]. 2007; 62A;10: 1082-1087. Willcox B, Willcox D, Todoriki H, et al. Caloric restriction, the traditional Okinawan diet, and healthy aging: the diet of the world's longest-lived people and its potential impact on morbidity and life span. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences [serial online]. 2007; 1114: 434-455. Sharma S, Singh R, Kaur M, Kaur G. Late-onset dietary restriction compensates for age-related increase in oxidative stress and alterations of HSP-70 and synapsin1 protein levels in male Wistar rats. Biogerontology [serial online]. 2010; 11 197-209.