I’m ringing in 2026 with a refreshed blog/newsletter. I’ve published hundreds of blog posts (they can be found on my website and while I like the long form posts, most folks looking for a quick read with timely topics and WIFM (what’s in it for me). So, here goes.
I’m Chris Rosenbloom, PhD, RD (Registered Dietitian) and nutrition professor emerita (a fancy word for retired) at Georgia State University in Atlanta. I am also a 51-year member of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. I love to read and write and share the fascinating world of nutrition with (older) adults. I co-authored Food & Fitness After 50 (with Bob Murray) and we just sent off the revised manuscript for a second edition (more to come on that). I am 74 years old and believe aging is a privilege, so I don’t whine about getting older. And did you know that older adults with a positive attitude and mindset about aging live an average of 7.5 years longer than those who harbor negative perceptions about aging? Which leads me to…
What I’m Reading
Does Your Attitude About Aging Affect Longevity?
Breaking the Age Code by Dr. Becca Levy, Professor of Psychology and Epidemiology at Yale University. Her pioneering research sheds light on how our attitudes about aging, shaped at an early age, can affect our later years. Being a fan, I was thrilled when Dr. Levy agreed to be interviewed for the revised edition of Food & Fitness After 50, for a section called “conversation with an expert.” I encourage you to read her book and drop the negative words like “senior moment” from your speech. Just say you are having a moment…. we all have them at every age.
Who I Follow
How Much Protein Do Older Adults Really Need?
There is so much amazing content online but there is also a lot of noise and nonsense. One of the hottest topics in aging is protein…. who among us is not asking about protein to build and maintain muscle? For a protein expert you can’t get much better than Dr. Stu Phillips, professor and Director of the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE) at McMaster University in Canada. He leads a team of researchers on muscle health and has more than 30,000 citations and over 400 scientific publications. But more than that he can translate science into easy-to-understand bites. Follow him on IG @macinprof, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SMPPh.D/, and LinkedIn. He is a frequent guest on podcasts; search YouTube to find him. A recent post from LinkedIn provides a simple take-home message, “Train hard. Eat enough protein. Spread it across the day. Don’t overthink it.”
Wrapping Up with What I Learned This Week
Is Full-Fat Dairy Bad for You?
As a lifelong learner, I seek new insights into food and fitness. Remembering that science is always evolving so when new information comes to light it doesn’t mean we “changed our minds,” it means we learned something new to challenge old assumptions.
I listened to a webinar on dairy foods, ok, sounds nerdy, but what I learned is that the matrix of the food matters when it comes to nutrition. The food matrix is the way its nutrients and compounds interact. Dairy contains protein, calcium, potassium, and also beneficial bioactive peptides. While saturated fats are often seen as harmful for cholesterol and heart disease risk, research suggests full-fat dairy may not be as bad as once believed. Fermented options like yogurt and kefir add value by supplying probiotics.
Full fat dairy does come with added calories. A glass of whole milk has about 150 calories whereas fat-free milk has about 100 calories. So, choose the dairy foods you like best. And remember, although cheese is included as a dairy food, we mean real cheese, not cheese slices made with oil or the gooey stuff you poor over nachos. Stick to the real cheese…like cheddar or Swiss.
Key Takeaways
- A positive mindset can extend lifespan
- Protein intake matters more with age.
- Whole and fermented dairy foods may support health despite saturated fat concerns.
So, continue to eat well, move well, and be well in 2026 and make small steps to be healthier in all three areas.
Great sensible advice and positive attitude.
Nice photo, too!
Thanks, Andrea!
I am 74 also and work out three days a week. Although I don’t like getting up at 5:15 to do it, I am very grateful that my arms and legs and back still work.
Grateful is a good way to look at it.. we do have a few more aches and pains but exercise is a good way to keep them to a minimum!
Love following your blog! Wish I had gotten to know you better on our past WC! Happy New Year and wishing guys great health and many more adventures!
Thanks, Karen. Same.. hope you have some great travel plans for 2026. If there are any topics you want covered in the blog, let me know!
Thanks for sharing what you are reading and who you are following. I’m always looking for fun ways to keep learning.
Thanks, Rachel!