single of the biggest and greatest in quantity important demographic changes facing the United States is the aging of our population.

single of the biggest and greatest in quantity important demographic changes facing the United States is the aging of our population. the couple the number and proportion of older commonalty are increasing. In 2000, 35 million Americans were age 65 and older representing 124 percent of the total population. The older population is look fored to reach 54 million in 2020 and more than double by means of 2050, accounting for 20 percent of our population.

The graying of America may have wide-ranging implications for the feed industry if future spending patterns of the somewhat old follow those of today's older age collection Researchers with USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS) examined at-home forage expenditure data and found that households headed on individuals age 65-74 spent more onward cereal and cereal products, dairy harvests poultry, and processed vegetables than other age clusters while households headed by individuals age 75 and older exhausted more on fruit and nonalcoholic beverages. The somewhat old generally spend less eating disclosed Away-from-home food expenditures for those age 75 and older were 30 percent lower than the average of all households AND 23 percent lower than those age 65-74

Older Americans today are living longer are better educated, and are more prosperous than previous generations. if it were not that disparities among the older population continue to exist between men and women racial and ethnic form into groupss and income classes.

Analysis at ERS shows that 94 percent of households with an somewhat old person in 2000 were subsistence secure--access at all times to enough provisions for an active, healthy life for all household members. Eighty-eight percent of U households with no somewhat advanced in life persons present were food free from danger in 2000. When faced with limited cash or resources for food, any elderly households turn to Federal and community nourishment assistance programs. An average of 17 million Americans age 60 and older received nutrition stamps each month in 2000 However, merely about a third of older folks who are eligible participate in the program. USDA and a certain number of States have begun testing fare Stamp Program changes designed to increase participation through eligible older people.

sum of two units areas of caution for the somewhat old in the new century include changing nutrition extremitys and complications from foodborne illnesses. As populace age, their energy needs decline. Thus, older individuals ne to make wise commons choices, selecting nutrient-dense foods and limiting "extras." ER analyses of USDA regimen consumption survey data show that chiefly older Americans are having put in commotion fitting the recommended number of daily aliment group servings into their decreased "calorie budgets" especially older women For example, solitary 6 percent of older men and 3 percent of older women consum the praiseed number of servings from the milk, yogurt and cheese form into groups compared with 26 percent of younger men and 15 percent of younger women

While older adults have lower rates of foodborne illness infections than greatest in quantity other age groups, they are more likely to have a certain quantity of of the more severe complications. Older the community and those who prepare their aliment must continue to be vigilant about safe pabulum practices. In the coming years, the somewhat old as a share of the U population will reach the highest flush in history. How we act to obstruct foodborne illness, ensure adequate nutrient intakes, and engage other health and support urgencys for this group will be important issues not alone for older Americans but also for the Nation.

Rosanna Mentzer Morrison

Economics Editor, FoodReview

pabulum and Rural Economics Division

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