Nutrition: A Health Series for Older Adults in Georgia, USA.

Malnutrition refers to the lack of proper nutrition. It encompasses deficiencies, excesses, and imbalances in nutrition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) there are 3 groups of malnutrition:

Undernutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight)
Micronutrient malnutrition (deficiency and excess)
Overweight, obesity and diet-related diseases

Older adults are at a higher risk of malnutrition due to the many physiological and physical changes that occur with age. Decreased mobility, decreased sense of smell and taste, oral health, lower muscle tone, changes in metabolism, dietary restrictions and impaired judgement are among the issues that may affect adequate nutrition in older adults. Moreover, a poor diet increases the risk of chronic disease, disability, and mortality in older adults.

Darem is working towards preventing malnutrition, and its complications, among older adults by empowering them to select healthy choices that can improve eating habits. Our “Nutrition Series for Older Adults” at OneStop Norcross & Senior Center kicked off on January 31, 2023. These monthly classes have been designed to educate participants on different nutrition topics including: Healthy Eating, Food Safety, Understanding Food Labels, Healthy Snacking, Eating for Chronic Conditions and more.

We look forward to our ongoing involvement with the older adult community in Gwinnett County. We also look forward to expanding this nutrition series to other centers in the near future.

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