Eating nutritious meals is an important part of healthy aging, but food safety matters just as much. As we get older, changes in the immune system can make it more difficult for the body to fight harmful bacteria. This is one reason older adults face a higher risk of serious foodborne illness than younger people (Young et al., 2020).
Food poisoning may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or fever. In older adults, these symptoms can sometimes become more serious and may contribute to dehydration or hospitalization. Following a few basic food safety practices can help reduce that risk.
Good hand hygiene is an important place to start. 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. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be rinsed under running water. It is also important to keep raw foods separate from foods that are ready to eat and to clean cutting boards, utensils, and countertops after preparing raw ingredients.
Proper cooking and storage are equally important. Meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs should be cooked thoroughly, and leftovers should generally be refrigerated within 2 hours after cooking.
Extra care is needed during hot weather. Cooked foods such as rice, pasta, potatoes, and other starchy dishes should not be left at room temperature for extended periods. Improper storage can allow Bacillus cereus bacteria to multiply and produce toxins that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. When temperatures are above 90°F (32°C), leftovers should be refrigerated within 1 hour (CDC, 2024).
Older adults may also want to be especially cautious with foods that carry a higher risk of harmful bacteria. These can include unpasteurized dairy products, raw or undercooked meat and seafood, undercooked eggs, and deli meats that have not been reheated appropriately. Choosing safer foods and handling them correctly can help lower the chance of serious foodborne illness (Evans et al., 2014).
Food safety does not have to be complicated. Washing your hands, cooking food thoroughly, refrigerating leftovers promptly, and keeping cold foods properly chilled are simple habits that can help protect your health while allowing you to enjoy meals with greater confidence.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes and should not replace medical advice or personalized nutrition guidance. If you have a medical condition or specific questions about food safety, speak with your healthcare provider or a 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