As we get older, eating healthy is important, but eating safe food is just as important. As we age, our immune system naturally becomes weaker, making it harder for the body to fight off harmful bacteria. Because of this, older adults are at a greater risk of foodborne illness than younger adults (Young et al., 2020).
Food poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. For older adults, these symptoms can sometimes lead to dehydration or even hospitalization. Fortunately, a few simple food safety habits can help lower this risk.
It is very important to wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before preparing or eating food and after handling raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables under running water, keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods, and clean cutting boards and countertops after preparing raw foods.
Cook meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs thoroughly, and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours after cooking. During hot summer weather, do not leave cooked foods like rice, pasta, potatoes, or other starchy dishes sitting out for too long. These foods can allow Bacillus cereus bacteria to grow if they are not refrigerated promptly. This bacteria can produce toxins that may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. If the temperature is above 90°F (32°C), refrigerate leftovers within 1 hour (CDC, 2024).
Older adults should also be extra careful with foods that have a higher risk of carrying harmful bacteria, such as unpasteurized dairy products, raw or undercooked meat, seafood, eggs, and deli meats that have not been reheated. Safe food choices and proper food handling can help reduce the risk of serious foodborne illness (Evans et al., 2014).
Healthy aging starts with small daily habits. Washing your hands, cooking food thoroughly, storing leftovers safely, and keeping cold foods cold are simple steps that can help protect your health and let you enjoy your meals.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical or individualized nutrition advice. If you have a medical condition or questions about food safety, talk with your healthcare provider or registered dietitian.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Safer food choices for adults 65 and older. https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/adults-65-older.html
Evans, E. W., Redmond, E. C., & Hutchings, P. (2014). Behavioral risk factors associated with listeriosis in the home: A review of consumer food safety studies. Journal of Food Protection, 77(3), 510–521. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-13-238
Young, I., Waddell, L., Wilhelm, B. J., Greig, J., Meldrum, R., & Rajić, A. (2020). Food safety and the older consumer: A systematic review and meta-regression of their knowledge and practices at home. Food Control, 107, Article 106782. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2019.106782
