Helping Older Adults Reach Optimal Nutrition

Running head: HEALTHY LIVING FOR OLDER
ADULTS
1
Healthy Living for Older Adults
Destine Bibbs
HDFS 4880
Melissa Kozak
December 11, 2019

HEALTHY LIVING 2
Research Paper
Helping Older Adults Reach Optimal Nutrition
Topic Overview
As we age over time, our bodies are continuously changing, and we must learn to adapt
and change with them. We are not able to eat the same foods as often as we did as children or
exercise as thoroughly, but it is important that we remember that nutrition doesn’t stop just because
we are getting older. If anything, nutrition becomes more imperative the older we become. Today,
many adults, specifically over age 65, do not know just how important it is to continue to achieve
optimal health by eating healthy and exercising constantly and consistently. Many diseases can be
obtained from not maintaining good health such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer and many
people forget to take this into consideration. Today in the United States, more that 25% of
Americans over 65 years old have diabetes and approximately over 25 million Americans have
osteoporosis (Wilson, 2017). This is concerning because if we do not realize that this is an issue,
that number will continue to rise over time and more people will become affected. In order to
prevent this number from rising, I want to help raise awareness by creating programs to help older
adults realize that their nutrition is still important even at an older age. The program would have
workout activities that are great for older adults and informational sessions to help adults know
what they should and shouldn’t be eating. The program would also have free health screenings for
anyone who would want them.
Review of Literature
Risk Factors

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Many older adults are not able to fully reach optimal nutrition because of their inability to
access fruits, vegetables, and other nutritional needs. Many are also not able to fully engage in
physical activity because of their worries of getting injured. “While food is not optimal, access to
the nutrient dense items necessary for health and longevity is not a protected right” (Wilson, 2017).
Many low- income neighborhoods have less supermarkets and more fast-food restaurants, corner
stores, and liquor stores causing older adults no choice but to spend their money at these places.
Older adults also may experience financial issues trying to access fresh fruits and vegetables.
Wilson states that the average fresh items at convenience retailers, when they are available, is
higher than supermarkets (2017). Because of the lack of supermarkets presented in low income
neighborhoods, older adults are forced to either spend money on fast food or on food that is cheap
and affordable because they are not able to afford fresher items causing health related issues to
increase and a huge lack in nutritional density.
Barkoukis (2016) defines aging as “the collective series of physiologic changes that occur
in an organism over time, resulting in progressive deterioration of functioning, increased
vulnerability to disease, and reduced viability” (p. 1237). It is important to identify older adults
who are at risk for insufficient caloric and nutrient intake because those are important for
maintaining health and quality of life. Meij, Wijnhoven, Lee, Houston, Hue, Harris, and Visser
conducted a study investigating the associations between body composition, health conditions, and
functional limitations in older adults (2017). The results of this study indicated that older adults
with a poor appetite reported a lower intake of energy, protein, fiber, solid foods, and fruits and
vegetables and they consumed more fats, sweets, sodas, and dairy foods.
In 2002, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics released a position statement supporting
the liberalization of the therapeutic diets for older adults with diabetes and highlighting two goals

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of care which include maintenance of health and maintenance of quality of life (Farrer, Yaxley,
Walton, & Miller, 2019). The statement also included a need for a “controlled diet” if individuals
did not tolerate dietary liberalization. There are also many recommendations for the amount of
physical activities older adults should receive. According to recent studies, older adults are the
least active age group, with male and female older adults engaging in 8.7 and 5.4 minutes per day
of moderate to vigorous physical activity (Loprinzi, Hyo Lee, & Cardinal, 2015). This could be
due to many reasons but the most common is the concern regarding whether or not these older
adults are actually healthy enough to engage in proper physical activity. Increased health worries
about getting injured and limited mobility are also causes for the lack of physical activity many
older adults present.
Julibert, Bibiloni, Mateos, Angullo, & Tur conducted a study on the dietary fat intake and
metabolic syndrome in older adults (2019). The study included 477 women aged 55-80 years old
with no previous history of cardiovascular disease and are engaged in social clubs, health centers,
or sports clubs. A dietary intake assessment was conducted which included data on a typical
portion size and consumption frequencies of certain foods. Energy and nutrient intakes were
calculated and multiplied by the nutrient composition of a specified portion size for each food
item. Socioeconomic and lifestyle determinants were also taken into consideration. Education level
was ranked, and a physical activity questionnaire was given including the measurement of
household activities done over the previous 12 months. The questionnaire was used to estimate
physical activity levels by using metabolic equivalents of tasks. The results indicated that
participants with metabolic syndrome showed a higher BMI and lower physical activity as opposed
to participants without it. Mumme Von Hurst, Conlon, Jones, Haskell Ramsay, Stonehouse, &

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Beck conducted a similar study indicating that rates of decline differ within a population and an
in-depth understanding of diet is important in order to achieve optimal health (2019).
Protective Factors
Regardless of socioeconomic status or access to certain foods, it is always essential to have
a strong community to lean upon and family support. Many older adults are living in assisted living
facilities with limited family support which can play a factor in their poor nutrition. Also, the
proper education needs to take place in order to inform older adults of what optimal health consists
of. If older adults understand how to achieve optimal health and understand the risk associated
with insufficient optimal health, they are more likely to want to change their diets and eat healthier.
High fruit and vegetable intake have also been associated with a reduced risk of mortality
and cancer (Olaya et al., 2019). Many studies of health benefits of fruits and vegetables often focus
on children, adolescents, or young adults, but not many focus on older adults. Studies also suggest
that the consumption of fruits and vegetables can prevent the onset of depression, disability, and
frailty. Only 45% of older women and 37% of older men consume the minimum recommended
servings daily of fruits and vegetables (Wilson, 2017). Older adults residing in neighborhoods
comprised of primarily minority or poor households face more barriers to obtaining fresh fruits
and vegetables. Supermarkets are also less available in neighborhoods comprised of minority
residents compared to primarily white residents. If more affordable options become available for
residents in low income communities, they are more likely to buy healthier options.
Implications
To strengthen the need for older adults over the age of 65 to understand the importance of
optimal health, we must educate them through specific programs, provide access to health

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screenings, and provide access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Facilitating these education programs
will be important because it is all about delivery. It is important to focus on how people participate
in the process of learning or planning, not just what gets achieved (N.A, 2018). Family life
education helps family members develop knowledge and skills to enhance their well-being and
strengthen their relationships. This will specifically help older adults because they will learn how
to better care for their body and health which will essentially benefit them in the long- run.
Planning an educational program is one thing but actually helping the participants understand why
it is important is another. I want participants to leave an educational program about proper nutrition
feeling joyful about the actions they can take to become healthier. I don’t want them to attend
because they feel as if they have to. While facilitation is important, discussion strategies is just as
equally important. Understanding what to talk about, what questions to ask, and how to get
everyone to participate plays a huge role in creating a successful program (Gonzalez, 2015).
During these programs, I want participants to gain an understanding of how to eat healthier and
how to engage in safe physical activities. I also want them to learn proper portion sizes and proper
caloric intake for their age. In order to get participants involved, I want there to be segments of
physical exercise where they are able to get up and move around and actually learn how to do
proper exercises. I also want demonstrations of proper portion sizes and demonstrations of how to
cook healthier.
Conclusion
To conclude, I feel as if it is important for older adults to know that their health is just as
essential, if not more essential as a child or adolescent. It is critical that older adults have access
to fresh fruits and vegetables and the proper education for a better understanding of how to eat
healthier. Because affordable, healthy options are not always available for older adults in low-

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income communities, it is necessary that we provide these options for them or refer them to places
that are affordable and healthy. Research also suggests that many older adults do not have access
to healthy foods (Wilson, 2017) or do not want to risk injury by engaging in physical activities
(Loprinzi, 2015) so in my program, I would be sure to include ways to obtain healthier options and
ways to properly engage in physical activity. This is all taken into consideration when developing
my program about how to achieve proper, affordable optimal health for older adults. I want my
program to be informational but also want participants to have fun while learning how to live a
long healthy life because ultimately, that is the number one goal.

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Program Objectives
Welcome Session
Goal 1: Overview of the Healthy Living Program that includes how it works, what participants
will do, information that will be available to them, and next steps after the program is complete
SMART Objective 1 short-term or medium-term- After the session, participants will learn about
how the program will work. This will be measured by a post survey.
 Activity 1- Participants will introduce themselves by stating their name, two facts about
themselves, and their favorite healthy food
 Activity 2- Participants will break off into groups and explain to each other why they
want to participate in this program and what they plan on gaining once it is over
Content Session#2
Goal 1: Older adults learn how to access inexpensive healthy food options
SMART Objective 1 short-term- At the end of the program, 75% of participants will learn
options that will help them access healthier food choices in supermarkets and how to prepare
them properly
 Activity 1- Have participants write down foods they eat often that they feel are healthy
 Activity 2- A video will be shown about the dos and don’ts of cooking, (for the people
who may not cook often) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEvl_Pln9HU
SMART Objective 2 medium-term- Participants will fully participate in cooking healthy meals
with the demonstrator and 3 months after the program, at least 50% of participants will report
that they have successfully used the cooking techniques demonstrated as measured with a post
survey.

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 Activity 1- Instructor will hold class on how to cook healthier options (someone from the
Food Science & Technology UGA Extension Program)
 Activity 2- Speakers will showcase how to cook certain foods that are inexpensive, and
participants will be able to go with instructors and help cook as well (divide participants
in groups and each group will have a chance to go and help)
SMART Objective 3 long-term (because this is a macro objective (social, economic, political
condition), you do not need activities. Increase in knowledge of how to access healthy food
options by the older adults by at least 50%
Content Session#3
Goal 1: Teaching older adults how to exercise properly without fear of injury
SMART Objective 1 short-term- At the end of the program, 80% of participants will learn how
to exercise properly for their age without fear of injury
 Activity 1-Workouts that last between 15-20 minutes
 Activity 2- Participants will learn proper stretching exercises that can be done before
and after workouts
SMART Objective 2 medium-term- 6 months after the program, 70% of participants will report
integrating these exercises into their everyday life at least 2x a week as reported by a post survey
 Activity 1- Participants will learn how to incorporate everyday walking into their
everyday schedule
 Activity 2- Distribute a weekly calendar and have participants write down when they feel
they are able to incorporate physical activity into their schedules

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condition), you do not need activities. Increase in physical activity at home by at least 60%
which will be measured by a post survey
Content Session#4
Goal 1: Provide a fair of resources that help with money or healthcare
SMART Objective 1 short-term- After the session, 80% of participants will identify how they
will utilize resources given to them today as measured by a post survey
 Activity 1- Participants will discuss with each other the different programs they may
know about in a Think-Pair-Share
 Activity 2- Participants will engage in a presentation of the different that provide
assistance
SMART Objective 2 medium-term- After the program, 75% of participants will understand how
to access certain resources in their community as assessed by a post survey
 Activity 1- Participants will be able to ask any questions they may have about these
programs to representatives at each booth
 Activity 2- Participants will receive brochures about all of the programs discussed and
write how they will use these resources
condition), you do not need activities. After the program, 75% of participants will utilize
different community or nationally funded programs they may need as assessed by a survey
Goodbye Session
Goal 1: Overview of all resources provided during this program

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SMART Objective 1 short-term or medium-term- At the end of the program, 90% of participants
will have completed the entire program and assess their knowledge on the program as a whole as
measured with a post survey.
 Activity 1- Participants will be able to fellowship with each other
 Activity 2- Participants will complete a post survey about the program including what
they liked and what could have been done better

Running head: HEALTHY LIVING FOR OLDER ADULTS 12
Logic Model
Outputs Outcomes- Impact
Inputs Activities Participation Short Medium Long
- Funding
- Staff time
- Meeting
space
- Workshop
lessons
- Workshops
on healthy
food options
- Exercise
workshops
- Lessons on
affordable
healthy
options
- Games on
healthy
foods
- Exercise
clinics
- Ice breakers
- Increased
knowledge
on healthy
food options
available
- Increased
knowledge
on safe,
efficient
exercises
- Increased
exercise
activities per
day or week
- Decrease in
mortality
amongst
older adults
due to
unhealthy
living
Assumptions: External Factors:
- Time

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Participants will
exercise and eat
healthier
- Money

Running head: HEALTHY LIVING FOR OLDER
ADULTS
14
Instructional Guide
Welcome Session
a. “Hello all! Welcome to the Healthy Living for Older Adults Program. This program will
provide information on preparation of easy healthy meals, exercises and stretches that
can be done in your own home, how to incorporate more walking into your schedule,
and what nutritional resources and healthcare are available to older adults age 65 and
older. The vision of this program is to help you all become familiar with how to achieve
optimal health and how to stay healthy and live a longer life. We will have instructors
from the Food Science & Technology UGA Extension Program, workout instructors,
and representatives from many different nutritional programs to help you today. We are
all here with one common goal, to become healthier without having to go over budget
and we will do everything in our power to help you all achieve that today. Let’s start off
with a little activity to get to know one another. When called upon, please state your
name, two facts about yourself, and your favorite healthy food.”
 Goal 1: Overview of the Healthy Living Program that includes how it works, what
participants will do, information that will be available to them, and next steps after
the program is complete
 SMART Objective 1 short-term or medium-term
o After the session, participants will learn about how the program will work. This
will be measured by a post survey.
 time needed to complete the entire session

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o 1.5 hours
 materials needed (e.g., paper, pencil, handouts, etc.)
o Welcome guide explaining the program overview
o Pencils or pens
o Paper if participants would like to take notes
o Copy of the article Poor Appetite and Dietary Intake in Community-Dwelling
Older Adults
 preparation and background information (environment set-up, preparatory readings,
etc.) to complete the session and at least 2 activities
o Read through the Poor Appetite and Dietary Intake in Community-Dwelling
Older Adults article to gain better understanding of some statistics involving
older adults and their dietary intake
o Become familiar with the guest speaker’s bio and resume
o Become familiar with the welcome guide
o Gather materials for participants (paper, pens, etc.)
o 2 activities include:
 Participants will introduce themselves by stating their name, two facts
about themselves, and their favorite healthy food as our icebreaker
 Participants will break off into groups and explain to each other why
they want to participate in this program and what they plan on gaining
once it is over
Content Specific Sessions (2, 3, and 4)
[Content Session#2 – How to Prepare Healthy Meals]

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 Goal – Older adults will learn how to access inexpensive healthy food options
 3 SMART Objectives
a. At the end of the program, 75% of participants will learn options that will help
them access healthier food choices in supermarkets and how to prepare them
properly
b. Participants will fully participate in cooking healthy meals with the demonstrator
and 3 months after the program, at least 50% of participants will report that they
have successfully used the cooking techniques demonstrated as measured with a
post survey.
c. Increase in knowledge of how to access healthy food options by the older adults
by at least 50%
a. 2 hours
a. ingredients needed to prepare food options
b. cooking tools (knives, forks, spoons, etc.)
c. pots and pans
d. cutting boards
e. first aid kit
f. healthy recipes in a cookbook

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g. background music
a. set up cookware and food for instructor
b. ensure first aid kit is nearby in case anyone happens to cut themselves
c. review some of the recipes the instructor will provide
d. 4 activities include:
i. Have participants write down foods they eat often that they feel are
healthy
ii. A video will be shown about the dos and don’ts of cooking, (for the
people who may not cook often)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEvl_Pln9HU
iii. Instructor will hold class on how to cook healthier options (someone
from the Food Science & Technology UGA Extension Program)
iv. Speakers will showcase how to cook certain foods that are inexpensive,
and participants will be able to go with instructors and help cook as well
(divide participants in groups and each group will have a chance to go
and help)
“Today we will be exploring different ways to cook and prepare healthier food options
that are also inexpensive. It is sometimes hard to find options that do not hurt us financially, so

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we are forced to go with the cheaper, unhealthier option. Can anyone tell me some of the foods
they wrote down that they feel are healthy foods? *listens to answers*
Those are some great choices and I’m sure today you all will be able to find out even
more choices. So, some food options many dieticians recommend include proteins like baked
fish, beans, and peas. Dieticians also recommend eating whole grains whenever possible servings
of low-fat or fat-free dairy. https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/dietary-guidelines-and-
myplate/healthy-eating-for-older-adults Staying hydrated with water and using your recommend
servings is also a way to stay healthy and fit.
There are also many different resources you all are able to utilize to help you access
inexpensive food options and keep track of what you consume. One of those resources is an app
called MyFitnessPal. It lists over 5 million different foods and helps you keep track of calories,
diet, and exercise. It is also a very easy app to utilize especially while you are shopping.
https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/06/the-10-best-apps-to-help-you-eat-healthy-and-
lose.html Instacart is also an app that helps with comparing prices of foods in supermarkets and
grocery stores and has over 150 stores you can choose from to find the cheapest prices for the
healthiest foods https://thedroidguy.com/2019/11/7-best-grocery-store-price-comparison-apps-
in-2019-1095323
Before I introduce our guest demonstrator, let’s watch a short video on the dos and
don’ts of cooking. *play video*
Today I would like to introduce you all to *so and so* from the University of Georgia
Food Science and Technology Extension Program. They will be demonstrating some healthy
food cooking techniques you all can accomplish at home. *instructor takes over*”

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Activity 1
 Processing Question #1 and Answer
a. What are some of the other healthier food options you all learned about?
i. Fat free dairy, whole grains, baked fish
a. What are some other tips dieticians have?
i. Stay hydrated and use recommended servings
Activity 2
a. What are some of the dos from the video?
i. Wash hands, tie long hair back, cut with knife pointe away from yourself
a. What are some of the don’ts from the video?
i. Don’t throw waste on the ground, leave spills on the ground
Activity 3
a. What are some of the food options the instructor taught you all about?
i. Salmon and tuna, baked chicken and potatoes
a. Where do the healthiest food choices come from on the food pyramid?
i. Foods rich in potassium, foods rich in vitamin C, foods rich in iron
Activity 4

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a. What are some of the cooking techniques you all learned today?
i. Sautéing, baking, grilling
a. Which techniques may take less amount of time to accomplish?
i. Grilling and sautéing
[Content Session#3 – Workout Options]
 Goal- Teaching Older adults how to exercise properly without fear of injury
a. At the end of the program, 80% of participants will learn how to exercise
properly for their age without fear of injury
b. 6 months after the program, 70% of participants will report integrating these
exercises into their everyday life at least 2x a week as reported by a post survey
c. Increase in physical activity at home by at least 60% which will be measured by
a post survey
a. 2 hours
a. proper workout clothes
b. small weights

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c. yoga mats
d. water
e. pen or pencils
f. paper
g. weekly calendar for participants
h. chairs for people who would like to sit during the exercises
a. read and watch videos about the best exercises for older adults
https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/best-exercise-older-adults/
b. set up yoga mats and weights in workout room
c. review exercises you will be doing (Pilates, yoga, body weight exercises)
d. 4 activities include:
i. Workouts that last between 15-20 minutes
ii. Participants will learn proper stretching exercises that can be done before
and after workouts
iii. Participants will learn how to incorporate everyday walking into their
everyday schedule

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iv. Distribute a weekly calendar and have participants write down when they
feel they are able to incorporate physical activity into their schedules
“Next in our program, we will be learning about different workout exercises you all can
do even in your homes. It can be hard sometimes to incorporate physical activity into our daily
routines especially if we don’t know how to do so. By show of hands how many of you all
workout at least 3x a week? *waits for hands* For those that do not, physical activity can be
essential to our overall health and help increase our life expectancy. We’re going to start with
some simple weight lifts. These weights are no more than 5 pounds and can be found at most
stores including Walmart and Target. It is recommended that you start out with three sets of 12
reps and as you progress, those numbers can increase. You want to make sure you keep a good
form at all times to ensure there are no injuries. (https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/strength-
training-for-seniors/) *finishes that workout set* Now we will move on to some yoga exercises.
We are going to start with some breathing techniques *starts breathing techniques and other yoga
exercises* It is recommended that you engage in at least 30 minutes of yoga exercises 3x a week.
Now we will move on to some proper stretching you can do before or after a workout. To
do the overhead side stretch, you stand with your feet hip-width apart, raise your arms over your
head and gently lean to the left or right for about 10-30 seconds on each side. *demonstrate* To
do the calf stretch, stand with your left leg in front of you and slightly bent and your right leg
behind you straight and slight bend that knee. Also do for about 10-30 seconds.
(https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/stretching-for-seniors-7-simple-moves-for-the-not-so-
flexible/)
We will now discuss some ways to incorporate everyday walking into your schedules. It
is recommended by many trainers to have at least 10,000 steps per day, but everyone is different,

HEALTHY LIVING 23
and we all have different needs. Some different ways to incorporate more walking into your
schedule include taking the steps instead of an elevator, parking in a further spot in a parking lot,
walk with a friend, walking your dog, walk during a commercial break on tv. All of these small
things can make a huge difference in your overall physical activity.
We will now distribute a calendar and have you all fill out the days you feel you will be
able to incorporate the most physical activity. Feel free to hang these up in your house or put
them into your phone as a daily reminder.”
Activity 1
a. How many sets and reps should you start with weight- lifting?
i. 3 sets of 12 reps
a. How long should you engage in yoga activities?
i. At least 30 minutes
Activity 2
a. How do you perform the overhead side stretch?
i. You stand with your feet hip-width apart, raise your arms over your head and
gently lean to the left or right for about 10-30 seconds on each side
a. How do you perform the calf stretch?

HEALTHY LIVING 24
i. Stand with your left leg in front of you and slightly bent and your right leg
behind you straight and slight bend that knee for about 10-30 seconds
Activity 3
a. What are some ways to incorporate walking into your schedules?
i. Parking further, walking during commercial breaks, etc.
a. What are the average recommended walking steps per day?
i. 10,000 steps
Activity 4
a. What should you do with your calendar once done filling it out?
i. Hang it up or put it into your phone
a. How does the weekly calendar benefit you and your physical activities?
i. It helps with tracking when and what times to work out during the week
[Content Session#4 – Resource Fair]
 Goal- Provide a fair of resources that help older adults with money or healthcare
a. After the session, 80% of participants will identify how they will utilize
resources given to them today as measured by a post survey

HEALTHY LIVING 25
b. After the program, 75% of participants will understand how to access certain
resources in their community as assessed by a post survey
c. After the program, 75% of participants will utilize different community or
nationally funded programs they may need as assessed by a survey
a. 1.5-2 hours
a. stands for vendors
b. pencils or pens
c. paper
a. understand what vendors will attend
b. read about the SNAP program (https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-
nutrition-assistance-program)
c. read about Medicare (https://www.ncoa.org/economic-
security/benefits/medicare-and-medicaid/original-medicare/)
d. read about meals on wheels (https://www.senior-meals.org/meals-on-wheels)
e. read about senior farmers’ market nutrition program (https://www.senior-
meals.org/SFMNP)

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f. 4 activities include:
i. Participants will discuss with each other the different programs they may
know about in a Think-Pair-Share
ii. Participants will engage in a presentation of the different programs that
provide assistance
iii. Participants will be able to ask any questions they may have about these
programs to representatives at each booth
iv. Participants will receive brochures about all of the programs discussed
and write how they will use these resources
“We will now move on to different funded programs that help assist older adults with nutrition
and healthcare. Can you all please write down all of the programs you know about and how they
help older adults. After you write them down, turn to your neighbor and discuss with them what
you wrote down *take about 5-7 minutes for this* Can anyone tell me what they discussed?
*waits for responses* The SNAP program stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
and it provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can
purchase healthy food. There are different sites you are able to visit to see if you qualify to
receive these benefits. Medicare is funded by payroll tax and pays for hospital care. Adults 65
and older qualify for it and it covers lab tests, mental health care, medical equipment such as
wheelchairs, etc. Meals on Wheels is an organization that delivers over 2 million meals per year
to older adults so that they are able to receive the healthy nutrition they need. The Senior
Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides grants to states to allow them to direct the money
where it is most needed in each community and it helps older adults access the healthiest food

HEALTHY LIVING 27
options available to them. All of these programs are available in all 50 states and are here to help
you. Simply visit any of their site and apply or apply with some of our representatives today.
All of these programs have representatives that you all may go and discuss anything you need
with. Does anyone have any questions? *waits for questions*
We will now hand out some brochures you all can look at about each program and we would like
you all to write down ways you will utilize these resources.”
Activity 1
a. What are some of the resources presented for you?
i. Meals on wheels, SNAP, Medicare, etc.
a. Who qualifies for Medicare?
i. Older adults 65 and older
Activity 2
a. What are some things Medicare covers?
i. Lab tests, mental health care, medical equipment
a. Where do the grants from the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program go
towards?
i. Different communities that need it the most

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Activity 3
a. N/A
a. N/A
Activity 4
a. How do you feel as if you can utilize these programs?
i. See if I qualify and apply from there
a. Where can you access these programs these programs?
i. In all 50 states
Goodbye Session
“I hope you all enjoyed our program today. We want you all to know that optimal nutrition does
does not stop, even as you grow older. Your health is just as important as a child’s and there are
plenty of people willing to help you with whatever you may need. Physical activity is also still
very important. Even if you have to do some exercises sitting down, be sure to get those extra
calories in each week. If you all have any questions, feel free to ask any of us. Hope you have an
amazing rest of your day!”
Goal 1: Overview of all resources provided during this program
 SMART Objective 1 short-term or medium-term

HEALTHY LIVING 29
o At the end of the program, 90% of participants will have completed the entire
program and assess their knowledge on the program as a whole as measured with
a post survey.
o 1.5 hours
o paper
o pencils
o business cards
o resource brochures
o post survey about program
o Be prepared to answer any questions necessary
o 2 activities include:
 Participants will be able to fellowship with one another
 Participants will complete a post survey about the program including
what they liked and what could have been done better

HEALTHY LIVING 30
Evaluation
1. Overall, what was your biggest takeaway from the “How to prepare healthy meals”
content session?
a. The “dos and don’ts of cooking was a very effective video and helped me learn
more about safety while in the kitchen
b. The meals we learned how to prepare were easy to access, healthy, and super
tasty.
2. Do you feel as if you have a better understanding on how to access healthier food options
in supermarkets?
a. Yes, I learned about the many different apps I can utilize while shopping for
healthy foods and how effective they are in finding the cheapest prices.
b. Yes, I learned that there are apps I am able to use to count the calories of certain
foods and these apps are easy to use.
3. What was the most effective about cooking with the demonstrator?
a. It was easier to see what I needed to do while preparing these foods before doing
it on my own.
b. It was helpful to see how to do what and asking any questions I had during the
demonstration.
4. What workouts do you feel were the most effective to you?
a. The weight lifts were very helpful especially since I am able to sit down while
doing them.
b. The yoga exercises were super-efficient and the breathing exercises that are
associated with it also helped me a lot.

HEALTHY LIVING 31
5. Do you feel as if you learned more about how to incorporate more walking into your
schedule? Why?
a. I do because I never realized how easy it is just to add a few more steps into my
daily routine just by taking the stairs instead of an elevator.
b. I do because I am realizing more that parking further from the door in a parking
lot is very helpful in increasing my daily steps.
6. Do you now feel like your fear of getting injured while exercising has decreased? Why or
why not?
a. I do because knowing that there are simple exercises, I can do that will not injure
me especially while sitting help with making me want to exercise more.
b. I do because I learned about different stretches that I can do to help ensure I do
not strain anything while exercising.
7. Was the calendar effective in helping with incorporating more physical activity in your
daily routine? Why or why not?
a. It was because I was able to plan ahead with my scheduling.
b. It was because I was able to realize when I have time to exercise and when I don’t
while also sticking to a set plan on when I will exercise during the week.
8. What programs did you learn about during the resource fair?
a. I learned about SNAP and Medicare.
b. I learned about Meals on wheels and Senior farmers’ market nutrition program
9. What programs do you feel you will be able to access and use most effectively and why?
a. I feel as if I will be able to use the meals on wheels the most effectively because
they deliver meals to people all over the US and easy to access.

HEALTHY LIVING 32
b. I feel as if I will be able to Medicare the most because I am 65 or older and it
covers most medical needs that I may need
10. Do you feel as if the resource fair was effective? Why or why not?
a. I do feel as if the fair was effective because I learned about programs I didn’t
know about before and how to access them to see if I qualify.
b. I feel as if the fair was effective because I was able to see if I qualified for certain
ones right on the spot with the representatives who were there and able to get all
my questions answered on the spot.

HEALTHY LIVING 33
References
Adrion, E. R. (2019). Competition and health plan quality in the Medicare Advantage
market. Health Services Research, 54(5), 1126–1136. https://doi-org.proxy-
remote.galib.uga.edu/10.1111/1475-6773.13196
Barkoukis, H. (2016). Nutrition Recommendations in Elderly and Aging. Medical Clinics of
North America, 100(6), 1237–1250. https://doi-org.proxy
remote.galib.uga.edu/10.1016/j.mcna.2016.06.006
Ellis, E. (2019). Healthy Eating for Older Adults. Retrieved from
https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/dietary-guidelines-and-myplate/healthy-eating-
for-older-adults
Fetters, A. (2019). Everything You Need to Know About Strength Training. Retrieved from
https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/strength-training-for-seniors/
Farrer, O., Yaxley, A., Walton, K., & Miller, M. (2019). A scoping review of best practice
guidelines for the dietary management of diabetes in older adults in residential aged
care. Primary Care Diabetes, 13(4), 293–300. https://doi-org.proxy-
remote.galib.uga.edu/10.1016/j.pcd.2019.02.005
Gonzalez, J. (2015, October 15). The Big list of class discussion strategies. Cult of
Pedagogy. Retrieved from https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/speaking-listening-
techniques

HEALTHY LIVING 34
Julibert, A., del Mar Bibiloni, M., Mateos, D., Angullo, E., Tur, J. (2019). Dietary Fat Intake and
Metabolic Syndrome in Older Adults. Nutrients, (8), 1901. https://doi-org.proxy-
remote.galib.uga.edu/10.3390/nu11081901
Loprinzi, P. D., Hyo Lee, & Cardinal, B. J. (2015). Evidence to Support Including Lifestyle
Light-Intensity Recommendations in Physical Activity Guidelines for Older
Adults. American Journal of Health Promotion, 29(5), 277–284. Retrieved from
http://search.ebscohost.com.proxy-
remote.galib.uga.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=s3h&AN=102564014&site=eds-live
Meij, B. S., Wijnhoven, H. A. H., Lee, J. S., Houston, D. K., Hue, T., Harris, T. B., … Visser, M.
(2017). Poor Appetite and Dietary Intake in Community-Dwelling Older Adults. Journal
of the American Geriatrics Society, 65(10), 2190–2197. https://doi-org.proxy-
remote.galib.uga.edu/10.1111/jgs.15017
Mumme, K. D., von Hurst, P. R., Conlon, C. A., Jones, B., Haskell-Ramsay, C. F., Stonehouse,
W., … Beck, K. L. (2019). Study protocol: associations between dietary patterns,
cognitive function and metabolic syndrome in older adults - a cross-sectional study. BMC
Public Health, 19(1), 535. https://doi-org.proxy-remote.galib.uga.edu/10.1186/s12889-
019-6900-4
N.A. (2018). Facilitation skills. Community Toolbox. Retrieved
from https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/group-facilitation/facilitation-
skills/main
O’Dare Wilson, K. (2017). Community food environments and healthy food access among older
adults: A review of the evidence for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

HEALTHY LIVING 35
(SFMNP). Social Work in Health Care, 56(4), 227–243. https://doi-org.proxy-
remote.galib.uga.edu/10.1080/00981389.2016.1265631
Olaya, B., Essau, A., Moneta, M. A., Lara, E., Miret, M., Martín-María, N., … Maria Haro, J.
(2019). Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Potential Moderators Associated with All-
Cause Mortality in a Representative Sample of Spanish Older Adults. Nutrients, (8),
1794. https://doi-org.proxy-remote.galib.uga.edu/10.3390/nu11081794
Shan, M., Gutman, R., Dosa, D., Gozalo, P. L., Ogarek, J. A., Kler, S., & Thomas, K. S. (2019).
A New Data Resource to Examine Meals on Wheels Clients’ Health Care Utilization and
Costs. Medical Care, 57(3), e15–e21. https://doi-org.proxy-
remote.galib.uga.edu/10.1097/MLR.0000000000000951
Whipple, M. O., Schorr, E. N., Talley, K. M. C., Lindquist, R., Bronas, U. G., & Treat-Jacobson,
D. (2018). Variability in Individual Response to Aerobic Exercise Interventions Among
Older Adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 26(4), 655–670. Retrieved from
http://search.ebscohost.com.proxy-
remote.galib.uga.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=gnh&AN=EP131832976&site=eds-live

HEALTHY LIVING 36
Appendix A
1. Session 1 materials
a. Welcome guide explaining the program overview
b. Pencils or pens
c. Paper if participants would like to take notes
d. Copy of the article Poor Appetite and Dietary Intake in Community-Dwelling
Older Adults
a. ingredients needed to prepare food options
b. cooking tools (knives, forks, spoons, etc.)
c. pots and pans
d. cutting boards
e. first aid kit
f. healthy recipes in a cookbook
g. background music
a. proper workout clothes
b. small weights
c. yoga mats
d. water

HEALTHY LIVING 37
e. pen or pencils
f. paper
g. weekly calendar for participants
h. chairs for people who would like to sit during the exercises
a. stands for vendors
b. pencils or pens
c. paper
d. PowerPoint
a. paper
b. pencils
c. business cards
d. resource brochures
e. post survey about program

HEALTHY LIVING 38
Appendix B
Marketing and Welcome Pages

HEALTHY LIVING 39
Welcome Guide for Participants
Welcome to the Healthy Living for Older Adults Program. If you are reading this, then you
have decided to take an extra step in ensuring you learn more about how to maintain a long and
healthy life. You have also decided to learn more about the many different resources available to
you at your age. We couldn’t be more excited to have you here with us today! We want to ensure
that each and every one of you have the best time as possible. Feel free to ask any questions you
deem necessary at any time. All questions are welcomed. Also please be courteous of other
people’s thoughts and feelings. We are going to be talking about different things that affect our
health and that may be a little sensitive for some so please be sure to remain respectful of other
participants. Also, we have many instructors and representatives that are here to ensure that you
gain the information you came for, so we ask that you please be respectful to them as well as you
participate in the program today.
We have a few tips for success for you all today. The purpose of our program is to help older
adults learn about how to remain healthy through proper diet and proper exercising while also
learning more about how to access inexpensive food choices and resources available to them
throughout their community. As you are sitting and listening to the different representatives
today, be sure to take as many notes as possible. It’s important that you have something to refer
back to when you leave our program today. We provide pens, pencils, and paper for everyone
that you are welcome to use at any time. It is also important to be fully engaged in the program
and participate in the activities presented to you. We want you all to be moving and active
throughout the day instead of just having to sit in one place all day. If the instructors ask for
volunteers to help with cooking the meals, don’t hesitate to go up there! Hands on experience is
the best way to learn anything and it’s also more fun. During the workout portion of the program,

HEALTHY LIVING 40
don’t be afraid to give it your all, we’re all here with the common goal of becoming healthier.
But also, don’t be afraid to ask for help, that’s what our instructors are here for. If there is
something you don’t understand or need assistance with, our instructors have no issue with
helping you.
We are going to provide you with many resources you will be able to use at any time you
deem necessary. These include but are not limited to, workout options, healthy food options,
health resources and how to access them, etc. We are providing you with these because we want
you to know that there are many different resources out there specifically for you. We will show
you how to access everything and how easy and effective it is. We will also be providing you all
with the contact information of all instructors today so that if you ever have any questions or just
want to chat about anything, you are able to do so.
By coming to our program today, you have decided to take the first step in learning how to
live a longer, healthier life and we couldn’t be more excited to have you. We welcome everyone
with open arms and hope that you leave this program today more knowledgeable than when you
came in. Be sure to always keep an open mind and willing to experience new things and people.
We hope you enjoy yourself and continue to keep in contact with us after you complete the
program!

HEALTHY LIVING 41
Welcome Guide for Facilitators
Welcome to the Healthy Living for Older Adults Program If you are reading this, I couldn’t
be excited that you have decided to become a facilitator in our program today. If you don’t
already know, you are just as important as the participants and will essentially be helping them
with all their needs today. This program is intended for older adults age 65+. I wanted to
specifically target this particular audience for many reasons. I have always felt adamant about
helping older adults reach optimal health because I’ve seen first- hand how many of them feel as
if they aren’t important. A few years ago, I watched my grandmother go through open heart
surgery and I saw how much time she spent in the hospital. I learned that the main reason she
had to undergo open heart surgery was because she was a heavy smoker and drinker, never
worked out, and ate terrible foods. Open heart surgery was the only thing that was going to save
her life. After her surgery, she began eating better, exercising more and stopped smoking and
drinking and she has been doing great ever since. I want to ensure that older adults gain the
knowledge they need so that they don’t end up obtaining diseases that could have been prevented
had they just worked a little more on their health. I also want older adults to know that they have
many resources available to them that they can utilize when necessary.
The overall program is intended to provide older adults with resources and guides they can
use to optimize their health. Many different instructors are going to come in and help with
anything possible. The participants are able to get up and help instructors with cooking tutorials
and get a feel for the many different workout options they can do even at their own house. We
also have many different representatives from national programs that are going to come in and
talk to the participants about how to find out if they qualify and next steps they may need to take

HEALTHY LIVING 42
with these programs. Our overall goal is to get the participants up and moving and experiencing
everything hands on so.
Each session is intended to help participants gain as much knowledge as possible. The
welcome session has an icebreaker to help participants get to know each other and their
instructors and it includes small group discussions on what the participants plan on gaining from
the program today. The preparation of healthy meals content session is intended to help the
participants gain a better understanding of how to access and prepare inexpensive healthy meals.
Instructors are going to demonstrate how to cook 2 healthy meals and participants will be able to
help them prepare them as well. The workout session is when participants will learn how
exercise properly without fear of injury. They will learn which stretches they should do to ensure
they don’t strain any muscles during a workout and which workouts they can do in their own
home. Participants will also learn more ways to incorporate more walking into their everyday
schedule and be provided with a calendar where they can document what days they plan on
working out. The resource fair session is when representatives from SNAP, Meals on wheels,
etc. will be coming in and explaining how these participants can take advantage of these
resources for them. They will also be able to ask any questions necessary and learn right then and
there if they qualify for these programs. The goodbye session is intended to wrap everything up,
give closing remarks, and answer any last questions anyone may have. Participants will be able
to fellowship with other participants and talk to any of the instructors and representatives. A post
survey will also be given about the program to the participants.
Overall, I hope you enjoy yourself just as much as the participants. We couldn’t be happier to
have you and we know the participants will appreciate you just as much!

Helping Older Adults Reach Optimal Nutrition

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