Nutrient requirements for optimum health and function of aging physiological systems often are quite distinct from those required for young ones. Recognition and understanding of the special nutrition problems of the aged are being intensively researched and tested, especially due to the increases in the elderly in the general population. In developed countries, economic restrictions and physical inactivity during aging can significantly reduce food intakes, contributing to nutritional stresses and needs. Many disease entities and cancers are found with higher frequency in the aged. Cancer, trauma, or infectious disease can alter intakes or requirements for various nutrients. Thus, specific foods and nutritional supplementation may be helpful in treatment of aged adults, including cancer patients. Many adults and elderly are using foods and nutrients well above the recommended daily allowance, which may not always be needed for optimal health. Thus, dietary alcohol and high calorie intakes associated with causation and exacerbation of alcoholism or diabetes, respectively, will form a section of health promotion in seniors. To some extent, treatment of these conditions with diet or nutritional supplements is a unique problem in the aged.