In 1999, 580 million people globally were aged 60 or over. By 2025, this figure is expected to reach 1 billion. In developed countries, population aging has evolved gradually as a result of declining birth rates and improved living standards. In developing countries, population aging is occurring swiftly due to the rapid decline in birth rate, and increasing life expectancy due to medical advances.

It is only in this century that people have achieved a life expectancy that allows for a large enough population to be studied for their complex and diverse characteristics. The role of nutrition and physical activity in the aging process, in retarding aging, and reducing chronic diseases is now being elucidated based on the data available.

The greatest challenge in caring for the elderly is to reduce disability and sickness. Undernutrition and underactivity are the leading contributing factors to ill health in seniors. Nutrition education and therapy can improve the quality of life by preventing dietary deficiencies, diet-related diseases, and malnutrition-related functional impairments. Moderate physical activity is another intervention strategy that can promote health in the elderly.
To respond to these challenges, the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) Southeast Asia, the ILSI Human Nutrition Institute and the ILSI Center for Health Promotion, in collaboration with the Department of Nutrition, Ministry of Health, held a Symposium and Workshop on Nutrition and Healthy Aging in Asia with the theme Harnessing Science for Action from July 6-7, 1999 in Singapore. The goal was to facilitate a better understanding of the impact of nutrition and physical activity on the aging process. By reviewing the latest scientific findings, the meeting served as a platform to assist policy makers in Asia to identify strategies and programs relevant to their aging citizens.

This special issue of the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging includes selected papers from the Symposium. The scope of papers from USA, New Zealand, Australia and Asia reflect the current state of knowledge about food intake and behaviors in the elderly based on Western populations as well as from the East.

Science-based evidence provides the key impetus to launch multifaceted and multisectoral efforts to reduce dependency and sickness in the elderly in Asia, and all over the world. The ultimate goal is to educate adults so that they can grow older in good health.