TAILORING
NUTRITIONAL EDUCATION TO OLDER ADULTS
Janice
Park, Ph.D. (Gerontology); Janice Hermann, Ph.D. (Nutrition Education);
and Glenna Williams, Ed.D. (Adult Education), Oklahoma Cooperative Extension
Service, Stillwater, OK.
Oklahoma
Cooperative Extension Service produced this videotape learning package.
The learning package will help paraprofessionals that teach or work
with older adults understand and recognize the aging process. Understanding
and recognizing the aging process allows paraprofessionals to increase
their effectiveness when teaching older adults. Objectives include:
1. Different teaching methods for older and younger persons. 2. Differences
and similarities in older adults. 3. Unique challenges of working with
older adults. 4. Physical changes in aging. 5. Safety and well being
of older adults. 6. Group problem solving. 7. Older adults can teach
us how to age well. The learning package contains a 42-minute professionally
produced videotape and facilitator's guide. The videotape includes "Stop
and Learn" segments. "Stop and Learn" segments allow
participants the time to discuss and explore their own experiences about
aging issues. Teaching settings that provide a safe environment for
participants to learn and actively involve the participants are more
effective than a didactic teaching setting. The "Stop and Learn"
segments allow the facilitator to divide the lesson into several learning
sessions. Several short learning sessions allow the learners to contemplate
the activities and discussions before moving to the next topic. Several
short learning sessions are generally consider more effective than one
long learning session. The learning package strives to embody the best
adult teaching techniques. The facilitator's guide contains the instructions
for the "Stop and Learn" activities, lesson objectives, and
a materials list needed for each activity. The guide includes directions
and activities for a Simulated Aging experience. The reproducible section
of the facilitator's guide includes a seven-page fact sheet, "The
Natural Aging Processes and Typical Physical Changes." In addition,
the section includes a series a one-page fact sheets, "Eating Well
for Seniors." The videotape learning package is designed for busy
supervisors that need a comprehensive unit that can help paraprofessionals
learn how to teach older adults effectively.
Janice
Park, Ph.D. (Gerontology); Janice Hermann, Ph.D. (Nutrition Education);
and Glenna Williams, Ed.D. (Adult Education) developed "Tailoring
Nutrition Education to Older Adults" in 1999.
