220397 Nutrition and Social Eating Habits Among Seniors Living Independently

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 : 2:30 PM - 2:45 PM

Mariah Stump, MA MPH , University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Carl Cappelleti , University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Lindsay Corse , University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Aaron Kinney , University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Suleiman Lapalme , University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Nolan Sandygren , University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Danielle Scribner , University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Molly Dugan , Cathedral Square Corporation, South Burlington, VT
Jennifer Hunter , Cathedral Square Corporation, south Burlington, VT
Margaret Holmes , Cathedral Square Corporation, South Burlington, VT
Thomas V. Delaney, PhD , Pediatrics, VCHIP, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Patricia Berry, MPH , Vchip, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Jan K. Carney, MD MPH , University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Introduction. Nutrition in older adults is a topic of great concern. Maintaining adequate nutrition has the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality, yet many older adults fall short of recommended guidelines for a number of nutrients. Furthermore, unintentional weight loss in the elderly is an independent risk factor for premature death. Objective. To further investigate variables surrounding nutrition in seniors at Heineberg Senior Housing. Methods. Data from an earlier health interview conducted for the Seniors Aging Safely at Home (SASH) program at Heineberg Senior Housing was analyzed. Following analysis, two one-hour focus groups were conducted with groups of residents at Heineberg to evaluate responses to interventions concerning general nutritional requirements and social eating patterns. Results. Poor scores on the interview's nutrition section were correlated with increased incidence of emergency department visits, falls, heart conditions, chronic pain, diabetes, and depression. In focus group discussion, residents expressed strong interest in learning about micronutrient intake and receiving individualized nutrition advice. Residents also expressed discontent with eating alone; many indicated interest in social activities involving food and felt such activities would increase nutrient intake. Conclusions. Based on our research, we believe encouraging residents to take a daily multivitamin with vitamins D, E, K, calcium, potassium, and fiber, increasing attendance at group meals, and offering individualized nutrition plans focusing on prevention of unintentional weight loss are likely to benefit the health of this population. Findings have policy implications for a growing senior population aging safely at home, and may be applicable to many other settings.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Chronic disease management and prevention
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related public policy
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe nutrition concerns in seniors aging at home Discuss adverse health outcomes associated with poor nutrition in the population studied Explain the relationship between social factors and nutrition in an aging population

Keywords: Aging, Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I participated in design, implementation, analysis and interpretation, writing, presentation of the project.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 4276.0: Nutrition and Aging