EFFECT OF A COOPERATIVE EXTENSION NUTRITION AND EXERCISE PROGRAM FOR OLDER ADULTS ON NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE, DIETARY-INTAKE, ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS, AND SERUM-LIPIDS

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a nutrition and fitness program for older adults on their nutritional status. Twenty-four adult volunteers between the ages of 60 and 88 participated in a nutrition and exercise program. Pre- and post-program data were collected on nutrition knowledge, dietary intake using a 24-hour recall procedure, anthropometric values, serum lipids, and exercise patterns. After initial data collection, the subjects participated in a 12-week nutrition program. Nutrition knowledge scores increased significantly, with an average increase of 12%. Total dietary intake of fat did not significantly change following the program. However, there was a significant change in the type of fat consumed: saturated fat intake decreased and polyunsaturated fat intake increased. Percent of calories from carbohydrate, protein and fat averaged 51%, 19% and 30%, respectively. Body weight significantly decreased; however, there was not a significant decrease in % bodyfat, % overfat and pounds overweight. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures significantly decreased, as did total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. HDL cholesterol and % HDL cholesterol significantly increased. The number of days per week exercised, time exercised, and exercise intensity also significantly increased.