The paper reviews progress in chronic disease prevention and dietary management strategies in the elderly to help them remain independent with a high quality of life for as long as possible. Progress in public health over the past century is briefly reviewed. The similarities and differences in preventive measures for elders and younger adults are summarized. The goals for the prevention and management of chronic disease in the elderly are similar, but the strategies may differ, and quality of life is especially important. Especially effective preventive strategies for the elderly are discussed. Selected strategies to manage conditions already present by delaying or controlling diet-related disease progression while maintaining an acceptable quality of life are discussed. Finally, selected new research on managing chronic disease in elders is reviewed. Taken together, these strategies promise to keep our elders "alive and kicking" for as long as possible.