Sample Two-Hour Program: Nutrition and Physical Activity for Older Adults

Intended audience: This program is written for older adults who are overweight or otherwise at risk for diabetes. Please note that if your intended audience consists of older adults who are too thin or have already experienced weight loss without trying, the advice for eating less does not apply to them. On the contrary, they need to follow advice to maximize the nutrition of the foods they eat (see the footnoted article for tips).

Using This Trainer's Guide

The guide includes a script for the facilitator. Directions on conducting activities or listening for key words during audience participation are in brackets.

For example:
         [Write down the audience responses.]

You do not need to follow the script word-for-word. Often, putting the questions in your own words and tailoring the language to your audience is better. Script examples are provided only to get you started with your presentation.

Be sure to read through the script before giving your presentation, so that you can familiarize yourself with the flow of the presentation. Also, as you review the script, note any props, handouts, or articles you would like to get to share with the group at different points throughout the presentation.

Equipment and preparation needed for your presentation include:

• Have a few sample food labels to read. Look for labels that contain fats, vitamins and minerals that are discussed in the curriculum
• Prior to giving your talk, take the time to select and practice a few of the exercises in this section
• Have a blackboard, white board or flip chart on hand

Optional equipment, supplies and materials include:

• Slide projector or computer and projector
• Overhead projector

At the end of the session, provide a referral list containing community resources for health education programs, exercise programs and healthcare providers. Make sure the list includes organizations that provide services to culturally diverse communities.

All the handouts in larger print may be found in the section titled "Handouts." Make copies of the handouts for each participant.

Background

The curriculum below for a two-hour program is intended to be used as an introduction to healthy aging for older people who are interested in the topic and have struggled with changing their habits. Schedule this presentation as part of a weekly series. For example, follow this presentation with a session on the enjoyment of food the next week. Or, the following week could be an introduction to stretching techniques, perhaps incorporating some tai chi or yoga moves to introduce elders to a new form of exercise that they might never try otherwise.

Goal: To improve the food-related practices of older adults

Objectives:

1. To empower older adults to make changes in their dietary habits
2. To provide current scientific information on nutrition and food for older adults
3. To teach older adults small steps they can do right now to improve their dietary habits

By the end of this presentation, participants will:

1. Understand the benefits of healthy eating and what makes up a balanced diet
2. Know at least three small steps they can implement now to increase their wellness
3. Know how to read the Nutrition Facts on a food label
4. Be familiar with six healthy, affordable foods they can buy at most grocery stores