Though Most Americans Are Nutritionally Aware, Older Adults Are More Likely To Take Action

U.S. adults surveyed by Harris Interactive say they are very health-conscious and aware of basic nutrition facts when buying foods and beverages, but do not necessarily apply the knowledge to their purchasing behavior. According to Harris, whose data came from 2,379 adults surveyed online in March, healthy food choices are more likely among more mature Americans aged 66 and older, perhaps because they are more likely to be on restricted diets. Three quarters (76 percent) of Matures have a diet restriction, compared to 58 percent of Baby Boomers, 50 percent of Generation Xers, and 51 percent of Echo Boomers (aged 18-34). “The action/awareness gap is even more pronounced when comparing the youngest and oldest generations,” Harris says: 32 percent of Echo Boomers restrict their sugar intake, compared to 67 percent of Matures.