Improving nutrition and activity among older adults

An objective of Healthy People 2010 is to increase participation of older adults in organized health promotion activities. As Americans are living longer, health practices that promote independent living and quality of life increase in importance. For older adults, good nutritional intake contributes to health, self-sufficiency, and quality of life (ADA, 2000). Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older AdultsTM is an evidence-based program targeted to older adults teaching nutritional self-management using education and support for behavior changes. The weekly group sessions focus on the MyPyramid food guide and the 2005 dietary guidelines to improve heart and bone health. Participants learn to set reasonable nutritional goals, solve problems related to common nutrition self-management issues, and explore community exercise resources. This presentation will focus on the results of a pilot program presented to a group of older women (age range 60-69 years). Goals included presenting an educational program on the importance of calcium intake, demonstrating cooking a high calcium meal, encouraging socialization as the group ate the meal together, and evaluating how interested the group would be in an on-going nutrition program for older adults. Results of the pilot showed the interest this age group has for improving their health and diet. All participants recorded understanding the importance of eating enough calcium daily. Eighty percent learned new information about the Nutrition Facts Label to determine calcium benefits of a food product and all said they enjoyed the group luncheon. Sixty percent expressed interest in learning about other topics.