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. Multi-disciplinary research is needed to develop behavioral and educational theoretical frameworks, as well as designs, intervention strategies, and evaluation methods for educational programs that lead to older adults adopting more healthful nutrition practices. This is one of a series of recent literature reviews on nutrition education for older adults.
Higgins
Mary Meck
MM
Department of Human Nutrition, Kansas State University, 202 Justin Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA. higgins@humec.ksu.edu
Barkley
Mary Clarke
MC
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education*