Extract:
Food for Seniors
The food pyramid is a visual representation of how the different food groups can be combined to form a healthy diet. Although it was a vital part of dietary guidelines for years before being replaced by the “MyPlate” model, the pyramid was constantly analyzed and revised as additional study was done in nutritional fields. A few years ago, the pyramid underwent a change regarding the unique dietary needs of seniors.
Modifications in the pyramid for older adults included an emphasis on fiber and calcium, as well as on vitamins D and B12. By incorporating these changes, the pyramid indicated that the nutrients found in a person’s routine daily consumption typically are not enough for seniors. Seniors need supplementation.
As people age, they tend to move less and thus need fewer calories to maintain their weight. Because seniors tend to eat a more limited amount, dietitians urge them to choose wisely. They are urged to eat nutrient-rich meals featuring such food as fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and high-fiber whole grains.
The revised pyramid also focused on the importance for older people of ingesting adequate amounts of fluids daily. This helps to ensure proper digestion and prevent dehydration. Finally, the revised pyramid included information on incorporating exercise and other physical activities into the lives of older adults. Suggestions included swimming, walking, or simple yard work. Because recent reports have stated that obesity levels for people older than 70 years of age are climbing, performing some type of regular exercise is more essential than ever.
Which of the following is not mentioned as being important for seniors?
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A
Vitamin B12
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B
Calcium
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C
Nitrates
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D
Exercise
The item not mentioned as important for seniors is nitrates, while fiber, calcium, B12, vitamin D, fluids, and exercise appear, nitrates never receive discussion.
A) Vitamin B12
Explicitly listed among emphasized nutrients in the revised pyramid: "an emphasis on fiber and calcium, as well as on vitamins D and B12."
B) Calcium
Explicitly listed among emphasized nutrients in the revised pyramid.
C) Nitrates
Never mentioned. Nitrates (preservatives in processed meats) aren't discussed as either beneficial or harmful nutrients for seniors in this passage.
D) Exercise
Explicitly included in the revised pyramid with specific suggestions: "swimming, walking, or simple yard work" to combat rising obesity rates in seniors.
Conclusion
Three elements appear explicitly: B12 and calcium as emphasized nutrients, exercise as integrated activity recommendation. Nitrates represent external nutritional knowledge absent from this passage's specific senior dietary guidance.