What Is MyPlate for Older Adults?

Food pyramids from 1999, 2007, 2010, and 2016.

It started with a pyramid

The MyPlate for Older Adults we have today has a history that began in 1999 when MyPyramid for Older Adults was created in response to the USDA’s Food Guide Pyramid to emphasize the unique needs of older adults. In 2007, an updated USDA pyramid was released and Tufts released the updated Modified MyPyramid for Older Adults.

The plate is introduced

In 2011 the USDA released MyPlate. Also in 2011, the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging released MyPlate for Older Adults as a icon to provide food, fluid and physical activity guidance specifically tailored for older adults.

The current MyPlate for Older Adults

In 2015, the HNRCA partnered with AARP Foundation in conjunction with the updated 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans to revamp MyPlate for Older Adults. The new plate gives special attention, with the expertise of AARP Foundation, to fully target various demographics and food access issues relevant to the 50+ population.