Nutrition and aging: development and evaluation of a learning module

Abstract

A learning module entitled "nutrition and Aging" was developed for use by persons who work with the elderly. The module contained nine units: Energy and Nutrient Requirements of Everyone, Special Nutrient Requirements in Aging, Physical Characteristics Affecting Nutrition, Social Characteristics Affecting Nutrition, Evaluation of Nutritional Status, Special Diets in Aging, Nutrition Education for the Elderly, Food and Nutrition Programs for the Elderly, Professional Opportunities in Nutrition for the Elderly. The learning module was presented as a 10-week, three credit course to a group of 15 graduate and undergraduate students at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Objective evaluation showed that the overall gain in knowledge was highly significant (p < .01) for the total group. Subjective evaluation showed the undergraduate students to be the most satisfied with the course and with the total amount learned.