Although Healthy Aging Is Top Of Mind For Denver's Boomers, Many May Be Overlooking Important Key To Aging Well

GERMANTOWN, Md., Oct. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Although healthy aging is top of mind for the Boomer generation, many may be overlooking an important key to aging well – their circulation.  In fact, according to the CocoaVia® National Healthy Aging Outlook Survey, Denver's Boomers want to do all they can to ensure they maintain their health as they age (96%).  Yet, nearly half (49%) report their primary care physicians rarely or never discuss circulatory health with them.  Further, despite a near-universal agreement among survey respondents (96%) that a healthy circulatory system is important, fewer than one-in-10 (9%) ranks it as their top health concern when it comes to maintaining health as they age. 

"The survey findings indicate that although Boomers have a general understanding that circulation is important, they are not connecting circulatory health to overall health," explained Frances Largeman-Roth, RD, a best-selling author and a leading advisor on health and nutrition.  "As we age, our blood vessels may become less flexible and less able to expand when needed to keep our circulatory systems running smoothly.  Healthy circulation supports the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to all parts of the body, where and when you need it most. A healthy heart, brain, eyes and skin – and even exercise performance - depend on healthy circulation."  Added Largeman-Roth, "A healthy circulatory system is critical for those who want to look, perform and feel their best inside and out."

According to Largeman-Roth, "Cocoa flavanols, powerful plant-based nutrients found naturally in cocoa beans, are clinically proven to help maintain healthy circulation.  Decades of scientific research demonstrates the power of cocoa flavanols to increase blood vessel flexibility.  Unfortunately, there is wide-spread misunderstanding about the purported and often-repeated health benefits of dark chocolate. Rather than looking for health benefits from dark chocolate, Boomers should actually be seeking the benefits of cocoa flavanols."

Largeman-Roth recommends making healthy circulation a top priority and  incorporating CocoaVia® cocoa extract supplement into a daily regimen as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Made with a proprietary Cocoapro™ cocoa extract that retains and concentrates the flavanols found naturally in cocoa, CocoaVia® supplement is guaranteed to have the highest concentration of cocoa flavanols of any dietary supplement. 

The survey also shows that nearly 70 percent (69%) of Denver's Boomers are enjoying their current phase in life, and four-in-five (82%) consider themselves healthy.  Furthermore, for them, age is just a state of mind with nearly three-quarters (73%) indicating they feel younger than their years. Denver Boomers reportedly feel, on average,  12 years younger than their actual age, and remarkably, 30 percent of Boomer women in Denver say they feel younger than 40.

Looking for the Fountain of Youth?  Largeman-Roth offers these simple nutrition secrets to help Denverites stay young at heart:

• Include fiber-rich whole grains in your daily diet, like oats, quinoa, wheat, barley and brown rice. They may lower your risk for type 2 diabetes.
• Use unsalted nuts, such as walnuts and almonds, as a substitute for chips and crackers, to help reduce your risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Pour yourself a glass of orange juice.  Vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory nutrient and helps repair and produce body tissues.  Other vitamin C-rich foods include strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, papayas, mangoes, kiwi and bell peppers.
• Practice moderation by limiting high-calorie, sugary foods and drinks.
• Incorporate at least three cups of fat-free or low-fat dairy a day, such as milk, yogurt or cottage cheese. The calcium and vitamin D in fortified dairy foods are essential for strong bones.
• Cut down on red meat and add more beans and lentils – a low-fat, protein-rich substitute.
• Add a guaranteed source of cocoa flavanols, like CocoaVia® cocoa extract supplement, to your breakfast every morning.  Mix dark chocolate CocoaVia® supplement in your coffee, milk, yogurt, or oatmeal for a delicious start to your day.  Or simply add CocoaVia® capsules to your vitamin regimen.

About CocoaVia®

CocoaVia® capsules are sold in 60-count boxes. The MSRP is $29.99 for one box, equal to a one-month supply.  The full line of CocoaVia® cocoa extract supplements is available at www.cocoavia.com and www.amazon.com.  For more information about CocoaVia® supplement and to find a store near you, visit www.cocoavia.com/retail.

About Mars, Incorporated
In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars' first roots as a confectionery company.  In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY® bar.  In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of  building a business based on the objective of creating a "mutuality of benefits for all stakeholders" – this objective serves as the foundation of Mars, Incorporated today.  Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $33 billion, six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks, Symbioscience, and more than 72,000 Associates worldwide that are putting its Principles into action to make a difference for people and the planet through its performance.
Mars Symbioscience brands include: COCOAVIA® supplements, WISDOM PANEL® canine DNA tests and SERAMIS® plant care products. 

Survey Methodology
The CocoaVia® National Healthy Aging Outlook Survey presents the findings of an online survey conducted by Toluna on September 22-27, 2013 among a sample of 2,200 adults comprising 1,094 men and 1,107 women 40-65 years old. Two hundred respondents reside in Denver.

SOURCE CocoaVia