Let’s talk nutrition! Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for older adults, and a Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist (RDN) who works with seniors on getting the highest quality nutritional care and offering a sound nutritional plan that helps to avoid disease and achieve weight maintenance goals, is the best path towards nutritional success. The main goal is to teach older adults (and those interested) about the nutritional connections to the diseases and disorders common in this population, identify nutritional recommendations for older adults based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Healthy People 2020, and describe to clients how dietary interventions can slow aging and the progression of disease. We strive to have our clients learn from examples of actual patients, especially those with nutritional disorders that are seen in the community and clinical settings.

Many seniors are not aware of the changes in energy needs that occur with advancing age or how age-related changes in metabolism and health affect requirements for carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and fluids, so supporting our clients with recommendations for dietary intake and lifestyle is the main goal. A good RDN will also educate clients on the risk factors for various diseases, lead them through a guided assessment, and provide a nutritional plan to improve their quality of life. Having an RDN as a part of a comprehensive Aging-in-Place team can help avoid many common nutritional challenges that accompany aging, so make sure that they are part of your aging journey!