By Amy DeLisio, MPH, RDN, CEO, Dairy Council of California
September is Healthy Aging Month, making it the perfect time to highlight how nutrition — and dairy foods in particular — can help people thrive at every life stage. With an older adult population living longer and prioritizing health, conversations around maintaining strength, mobility and independence are more important than ever. The dairy community has an opportunity to meet this growing interest in healthy aging and help create a healthier tomorrow through dairy.
For older adults, incorporating dairy foods daily:
- Offer High-Quality Protein: Milk, cheese and yogurt provide high-quality protein, essential vitamins, minerals and other bioactive compounds that support overall health. Adequate protein is vital for preserving muscle mass, mobility and physical function; key factors for maintaining independence and quality of life.
- Support Bone Health: Dairy foods provide a unique package of nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and zinc that work together within dairy's nutrition matrix to strengthen bones. Regular dairy consumption as part of an overall healthy eating pattern has been associated with improved bone health and may help reduce fracture risk as people age.
- Improve Gut and Cognitive Function: Research also points to dairy's role in supporting gut and brain health. Fermented dairy foods such as yogurt, kefir and certain cheeses contain probiotics that can help support a healthy gut microbiome. When combined with fiber-rich foods, these options may contribute to better digestive, immune and cognitive health.
Dairy farmers work hard every day to ensure that these nutritious foods are widely available, and at Dairy Council of California, we amplify that impact through trusted education tools and partnerships to elevate health.
The dairy community can help by sharing resources like Dairy Council of California's 2025 Healthy Eating TABLE, Nurturing Healthy Aging: The Role of Dairy in Dietary Patterns. Additional educational products include the Dairy Supports Healthy Aging research and insights webpage, and our educational handout.
By working together, the dairy community can leverage Healthy Aging Month as an opportunity to showcase the vital role dairy foods play in supporting health and independence across the lifespan, strengthening dairy’s future for decades ahead.