Nutrition Education for the Elderly: Concerns,Needs,and Approaches

Abstract

The needfor nutrition education programsfor the elderly is now accepted without debate. Messages must be meaningful and relevant for this population who confront unique physiological and psychosocial changes. The nutrition educator also faces challenges when confronting resistance to change and apathy displayed by some elderly persons. A number of programs have been developed and evaluated. Varying degrees of success have been noted. Significant points addressed here include problems related to the aging process, the need for nutrition education, and methods and approaches.

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