Comparison of nutrition education approaches on fruit and vegetable intake in older adults
Most Americans do not consume recommended intakes of fruits and vegetables (F/Vs). Hands-on nutrition education applies social cognitive theory as participants practice preparing F/Vs. This study compared a four-week hands-on nutrition education program (L+HO) with lecture only (L) in older adults with assessments at baseline and weeks four and eight. Twenty-three women over the age of 50 participated in either four, 90-minute weekly L+HO classes (n = 14) or four, 40-minute weekly L nutrition education classes (n = 9). Vegetable intake significantly increased at four weeks compared to baseline for both intervention groups. Vegetable intake increased at eight weeks compared to baseline but was only significant for the L group. Fruit intake increased for both intervention groups with significance observed only when the groups were combined for the overall impact of nutrition education. Results did not support a greater increase in F/V intake in the L+HO group for various possible reasons.
fruit and vegetables, hands-on learning, nutrition, nutrition education, older adult, Gerontology
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