Author: Sandra Bastin
Planning Unit: Dietetics and Human Nutrition
Major Program: Mastering Food Choices
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Healthy aging begins with good nutrition and appropriate physical activity. Our dietary requirements change but rarely do we know how to tell we are getting enough of key nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D or vitamin B12. As a result, a Where are Your Nutrients? class was offered at a local community church where 23 over 60 adults attended two-two hour sessions with the option of meeting with a registered dietitian after the class was completed. Part of the class included the changing needs of individuals as we age. The majority of the classes were a question and answer format. 100% of participants said they appreciated the opportunity to have their questions answered; were glad to find reliable nutrition resources; and indicated they would continue to be advocates for improving their nutrition and physical activity. 39% reached out for access to a registered dietitian with specific health follow-up questions. 9% were referred to their person physician for additional healthcare. Having a safe place to ask personal questions from a reliable health care professional is important to the aging population and the church was considered a safe place to ask these questions. Question and answer formats may be a format that all community members may find appealing in having their dietary questions answered, that could then lead to participation in future nutrition or food preparation classes.