Barriers to nutrition education for older adults, and nutrition and aging training opportunities for educators, healthcare providers,volunteers and caregivers.

Literature citations of barriers to nutrition education found in those who teach and care for older adults, as well as within older adults themselves, are discussed. No attempt was made to compare educational barriers for learners of varying ages. These obstacles need to be addressed in order for nutrition to be taught or learned effectively so that nutrition practices and health improve.

Group nutrition education classes for older adults.

A thorough search of the literature revealed only nine articles published since 1993 that focused on nutrition education for older adults attending group classes and that measured outcomes. A table summarizes the reports, including the theoretical bases, descriptions of interventions, participants and comparison groups, program outcomes, methods of verification, and follow-up after interventions. Only three of the studies explicitly indicated that elements of a stated behavioral change theory had been incorporated.

Improving effectiveness of nutrition education resources for older adults.

This article discusses published reports and studies from the past decade that focused primarily on using written or other tangible nutrition educational resources with older adults, such as brief "handouts," newsletters, brochures, booklets, curricular lessons, board games, audiotapes and videotapes. Studies of health professionals' needs and desires for such materials are also reviewed. Thirteen articles, of which four were theory-based, were found.

Concepts, theories and design components for nutrition education programs aimed at older adults.

This article examines characteristics of older adult learners and discusses adult education theory and empowerment concepts, along with nutrition education and behavioral change strategies for older adult nutrition education programs. Design components for older adult nutrition education programs are presented. Educational and behavioral change strategies should be selected based on characteristics of the intended audience, including their nutrition needs, wants and desires, and should be based on appropriate theory.

Tailoring nutrition education intervention programs to meet needs and interests of older adults.

Methods for determining appropriate content of older adult nutrition education intervention programs and strategies for effectively delivering nutrition messages to older learners are presented. Educators can determine the nutrition education needs and interests of their older learners by using results of food intake surveys and assessment screening tools, written surveys, interviews and group discussions. Findings of recent reports using these methods are summarized.