A theory‐based nutrition newsletter education program reduces nutritional risk in community‐residing older adults

Abstract

The aging population merits the need for community nutrition education programs to promote healthy aging. Chef Charles (CC), a nutrition newsletter education program, advocates produce consumption, physical activity, food safety, and promotes food security. This study assessed the impact the traditional CC program (control) and a revised, theory‐based CC program (treatment) had on nutritional risk (NR), self‐efficacy for healthy eating (SE), food security (FS) and program satisfaction in adults age 60+. ANOVA was used to test for changes in NR, FS, and SE by CC participation status and marital status, and chi‐square to test for differences in program satisfaction between groups. Participants were mostly educated, single, food secure white females (n=34). Most (n=60 out of 73, 82.2%) completed CC. NR change (M=5.25) for the treatment group was significantly higher (p=0.042) than the control group. No differences were noted for SE or FS change and program satisfaction between groups. Over half (n=46, 76.7%) reported making dietary changes and the majority (n=52, 86.7%) rated CC as good to excellent. Results suggest the revised CC program is more effective in reducing NR than the traditional CC program.