I’m getting older–and gaining a little weight. Should my diet be about the same as when I was younger?

Of course not knowing what your diet was when you were younger (and not being a nutritionist), I can’t answer your question directly. I did round up some facts that might be interesting and helpful as you consider what you eat.

First, a new poll, conducted for the Produce for Better Health Foundation, found that Americans in general are not eating the recommended minimum of five or more servings of produce (vegetables and fruit) a day. Nearly 60 percent of those surveyed thought one to four servings of these vital nutrients sufficient.

Second, the Department of Agriculture has modified its well-known food pyramid to meet the needs of healthy older adults ages 70 and over.

The bread, cereal, rice and pasta group forms the base of the original food guide pyramid. But the one for older adults is based on at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water each day. The emphasis on fluids is due to older adults’ reduced sense of thirst, which can lead to drinking less.

Another key difference from the original food guide is a little flag at the top to indicate a recommendation for the dietary supplements calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B-12. These are sometimes recommended because older adults eat less and do not absorb and process nutrients as efficiently as younger people.

Another difference in the pyramid for seniors is the addition of a fiber icon in the columns for whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Fiber is important because it helps prevent constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulosis. Twenty to 30 grams of fiber are recommended daily.

Look for breads, cereals, rice and pastas that are whole-grain, enriched or fortified.

Choose legumes (peas and beans), deeply colored green, orange or yellow vegetables as well as cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage, beets and kale). Whole vegetables and fruits provide fiber.

Among the dairy products, milk contains vitamin D, giving it an advantage over cheese and yogurt, which do not.

Fats, oils and sweets should be used sparingly.

Proper nutrition should be combined with physical activity or exercise to maintain a healthy weight, decrease the risk of heart disease, arthritis, cancer and other diseases.