Welcome to Nutrition in Aging. This textbook was designed to support the course HNU 425 Nutrition in Aging at St Francis Xavier University. This elective course is offered to nutrition students in both the dietetic and non-dietetic streams in the human nutrition program. The prerequisites include biology and human metabolism. The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the study of nutrition related to older adults. This course covers key topics surrounding the changes associated with aging, including demographic trends, theories of aging, ageism, physiological changes, nutrient requirements, nutritional assessment, and neurocognitive disorders. Social variables influencing nutrition, person-centered care, and eating issues in long-term care are also discussed.
This project was developed and organized by Tracy Everitt, assistant professor at St Francis Xavier University. This project could not have been completed without the contributions of those who helped in creating and reviewing content. Thank you to the following people who helped to support this project:
Brittany Yantha, St Francis Xavier University
Megan Davies, St Francis Xavier University
Joan Jory, Registered Dietitian, Guelph University
Laurie Wadsworth, Senior Research Professor, St Francis Xavier University
Norma MacKinnon, Registered Dietitian, St Francis Xavier Univeristy
Sayuri Omori, Registered Dietitian, Nutrition Management Services
Shannon Roode, Registered Dietitian, Sienna Senior Living
Student Contributors:
Suzanne LeMoine – Chapter 8, Chapter 9 and Chapter 12
Alexandra Beaton – Chapter 1
Samatha Fisher – Chapter 4 and Chapter 5B (Nutrient Requirements for Older Adults)
Emily Steeves – Chapter 4 and Chapter 5B (Nutrient Requirements for Older Adults)
Melissa Delorey – Chapter 4 and Chapter 5B (Nutrient Requirements for Older Adults)
Tanna Burke – Chapter 5B (Nutrient Requirements for Older Adults)
Rhea Myette – Chapter 5B (Nutrient Requirements for Older Adults)
Nathan Laird – Chapter 5B (Nutrient Requirements for Older Adults)
Christena Downey – Chapter 13
Carly Robinson – Chapter 13
Cover artwork was done by Jim Fraser.
Funding Sources:
St. Francis Xavier University Open Educational Resource Grant
Atlantic OER Grant