Ron Hobbs, ND, School of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Drive NE, Kenmore, WA 98028, 206-856-8592, rhobbs@bastyr.edu

A number of natural preventive and health promotional techniques that fall under the rubric of traditional/complementary and alternative medicine (T/CAM) have been found to contribute to healthy aging and longevity. Naturopathic medicine is the western system of T/CAM, and its practitioners are the only physician level providers in North America who have extensive training in these natural modalities. This presentation will provide an overview how the principles and practices of naturopathic medicine can contribute to the health care of out aging population. This presentation will focus on vitamin D (cholecalciferol) as an example of a nutritional supplement that may address multiple public health problems face by our elders. Epidemiological evidence suggests that the elderly population may be chronically deficient in vitamin D and several clinical studies suggest that adequate supplementation can prevent both falls, with their often-tragic sequelae, as well as seasonal affective disorder. The presentation will conclude with a vision of how naturopathic doctors can use this and other vitamins holistically to promote the health and well being of our elders.

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