The Mather Institute has released "Food for Thought: Older Adults' Views on Healthy Eating," a research brief based on a survey of 688 people ages 55+, to provide active-aging communities and other organizations with insights into the interests, knowledge, and motivations around healthy eating among their constituents.

Among the findings:

- Nearly three-quarters of respondents were somewhat (31%) or very (42%) interested in eating more healthfully, and others reported they already do so (24%).

- Nearly all (93%)  were somewhat or very motivated to eat healthfully, particularly to maintain their current physical health and their brain health. This suggests that labels that identify specific foods and menu items as “brain healthy” may encourage people to make healthier choices, according to the brief.

- To better engage in healthy eating behaviors, 47% said they did or would read nutrition labels; 38% would minimize consumption of processed foods; and 29% would minimize consumption of sweets.

- More than half of respondents were likely to try changing their portions (65%), minimizing carbohydrates (66%), and changing calorie consumption (59%).

- Only 34% said they would consider speaking to a physician or nutritionist to develop a personalized dietary plan.

To learn more and download the research brief, click here