Effects of a nutrition education program for urban, low-income, older adults: a collaborative program among nurses...

Nutrition education programs can be effective in reducing risks of cardiovascular disease in older adults. The objective of the Eat and Learn Nutrition Program was to increase knowledge of nutrition and promote healthy eating among the residents of an older adult, low-income, urban housing community. The program was a series of 3 discussions on nutrition topics, based on a community needs assessment, that were presented in the common room of the participants' residence over a heart-healthy lunch. On average, participants were able to increase their nutrition knowledge learning 1 major point per session. In addition, participants discussed alternative methods for healthy eating and shared culturally diverse nutritious recipes with each other. The collaborative nursing effort in designing the program served to facilitate learning about community program implementation for all nursing students involved. Collaboration between nurses and nursing students from a variety of educational backgrounds may enhance learning and program success.