Cheese has always been one of my grandfather’s favorite foods.
Every Sunday, there was a cheese board waiting on the table.
But as he got older, he made one important change.
He stopped asking,
“Which cheese tastes the best?”
Instead, he asked,
“Which cheese helps me stay strong?”
His doctor explained that cheese can absolutely be part of a healthy diet after 60—but not every cheese offers the same balance of protein, calcium, sodium, and saturated fat.
Grandpa never gave up cheese.
He simply became smarter about the choices he made.
4 Cheeses to Enjoy Less Often
1. Processed Cheese Slices
Processed cheese products are often higher in sodium and contain added ingredients compared with natural cheese.
Grandpa called them his “once in a while” cheese.
2. American Cheese
While convenient, many varieties contain more sodium and additives than natural cheeses.
He preferred natural cheese whenever possible.
3. Full-Fat Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is delicious but provides much less protein than many other cheeses while being relatively high in saturated fat.
Grandpa enjoyed it occasionally instead of every day.
4. Blue Cheese
Blue cheese can fit into a healthy diet, but its strong flavor often comes with a higher sodium content, making moderation a smart choice for many older adults. (The Nutrition Source)
4 Better Cheeses to Enjoy More Often
1. Cottage Cheese
Naturally rich in protein and calcium.
One of the easiest ways to increase daily protein intake.
2. Swiss Cheese
Naturally high in protein and calcium while generally being lower in sodium than many other hard cheeses. (The Nutrition Source)
3. Part-Skim Mozzarella
A great source of protein and calcium with less saturated fat than full-fat mozzarella.
4. Parmesan
A small amount provides impressive amounts of protein, calcium, and flavor, so a little goes a long way. (Real Simple)
Grandpa’s Favorite Protein Plate
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese
- Swiss cheese
- Part-skim mozzarella
- Parmesan
Directions
Serve cottage cheese as the main protein.
Add slices of Swiss cheese.
Top vegetables or salads with a small amount of Parmesan.
Use part-skim mozzarella in sandwiches or alongside tomatoes for a satisfying meal.
Grandpa believed simple meals were the easiest habits to keep.
The Secret Was Balance
Whenever someone asked Grandpa if cheese was healthy, he always smiled.
“It’s not about eating more cheese.”
“It’s about choosing better cheese.”
He believed that quality mattered more than quantity.
Combined with daily walks, strength exercises, fruits, vegetables, and enough protein, the right cheeses became part of a lifestyle that helped him stay active well into his eighties.
One Final Thought
Cheese can be a valuable part of a healthy diet after 60 because it naturally provides protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus. Choosing options such as cottage cheese, Swiss cheese, part-skim mozzarella, and Parmesan more often—and enjoying higher-sodium or more processed cheeses in moderation—can help support healthy muscles and bones while still letting you enjoy one of life’s favorite foods. (heart.org)
For more healthy eating tips, check out why my grandfather always chose fresh pistachios over old, stale nuts and discover this cheese my grandmother ate every week to help stay strong after 70. You might also be interested in learning about this nut my grandfather ate daily to help stay strong after 70.
