The number of individuals aged 60 y or older is projected to double as a proportion of the world’s
population and to more than triple in number over the next 50 y. These changes will be most dramatic in the less
developed countries, where the transition from a young to old age structure will be more compressed in time than
it has been for developed countries. At the same time, there is evidence of a characteristic sequence of changes
in diet and declines in physical activity associated with social and economic change. Diets are becoming higher in
fats, animal products, and refined foods and lower in fiber, contributing to rapidly increasing prevalences of obesity
and type 2 diabetes. The number of people with diabetes in developing countries is projected to almost triple by
the year 2025. Hypertension and vascular disease are also rapidly becoming more prevalent. Evidence that lower
birth weights are associated with greater likelihood of adult obesity and chronic disease underscores the magnitude of risk in these countries. Few programs or institutions currently exist to address the problems of the growing
elderly population. The social changes that accompany urbanization will likely increase nutritional risk for this
group. Despite lower energy intakes with age, elderly have higher requirements for several micronutrients, making
them vulnerable to deficiencies that further aggravate chronic conditions. To reduce the impending burden of
disease and disability worldwide, urgent action is needed to understand and to address the nutritional needs of the
aging population