THE NEW NORMAL WAY TO 

OFFER KEY NUTRITION 

SERVICES 

MAY 19, 2020
INTRODUCTIONS 

2 
OPENING 

REMARKS 

3 
WELCOME 

Keri Ann Lipperini, MPA 

Director 

Office of Nutrition and Health 

Promotion Programs (ONHPP) 

Administration on Aging 

Administration for Community Living 

U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services 

keri.lipperini@acl.hhs.gov 

@NRCNA_engAging 
 

WELCOME 

Judy Simon, MS, RD, LDN 

National Nutritionist 

Office of Nutrition and Health 

Promotion Programs (ONHPP) 

Administration on Aging 

Administration for Community Living 

U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services 

judy.simon@acl.hhs.gov 

@NRCNA_engAging 
PIVOTING TO ADDRESS THE NEED 

@NRCNA_engAging 6 
VIRTUAL NUTRITION EDUCATION 

FOR OLDER ADULTS 

May 19, 2020 

@NRCNA_engAging 

KATIE M. DODD, MS, RDN, CSG, LD, FAND
VIRTUAL NUTRITION EDUCATION FOR OLDER ADULTS 

• Katie M. Dodd, MS, RDN, CSG, LD, FAND 

• The Geriatric Dietitian 

• Medford, OR 

@NRCNA_engAging 
AGENDA 

• Why virtual? 

• Different ways to connect 

• Platforms for going virtual 

• Resources for going virtual 

• Real world examples 

• Older adults and technology 

• Virtual education tips 

• Featured nutrition education resources 

@NRCNA_engAging 
 

WHY VIRTUAL? 

• The world has changed...

• Social Isolation Increases: 

• Loneliness 

• Nutrition issues 

• Health risk 

• Connection= Maintaining mental and physical health 

• And we don’t know when it’s changing back.

@NRCNA_engAging 
POLL 

How are you currently providing nutrition 

education to your clients? (primary) 

a. I am not 

b. Telephone 

c. Mail 

d. Video 

e. Other 

@NRCNA_engAging 
 

DIFFERENT WAYS TO CONNECT 

• Telephone 

• Public television 

• Mail (handouts, newsletters) 

• Innovative In-Person Options 

• Email 

• Video call 

• Video group 

• Video public 

• Other* 

@NRCNA_engAging 
@NRCNA_engAging 

DIFFERENT WAYS TO CONNECT 

• Virtual adjective 

• Being on or simulate on a computer or computer network 

• Such as 

– occurring primarily online 

• //virtual shopping 

– Of, relating to, or existing within a virtual reality 

• //a virtual tour 

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtual 
DIFFERENT WAYS TO CONNECT 

• What is your goal for providing nutrition education? 

• Individual vs. Group 

• or reaching wider audience (public) 

– Which options work best for you? 

• Telephone 

• Public television 

• Mail (handouts, newsletters) 

• Innovative In-Person Options 

• Email 

• Video call 

• Video group 

• Video public 

• Other* 

@NRCNA_engAging 
POLL 

What do you plan to do next? 

a. Public television 

b. Video calls 

c. Video groups 

d. Innovative in person options 

e. Other 

@NRCNA_engAging 
 

DISCUSSION QUESTION 

What is your goal for providing nutrition 

education? Will you be seeing individuals, 

groups, or just providing resources? 

Enter responses into the chat box on your screen. 

@NRCNA_engAging 16 
PLATFORMS FOR GOING VIRTUAL 

• Video examples: 

• Zoom 

• Facebook Live or Messenger Video Chat 

• You Tube 

• Apple FaceTime 

• Google Hangout Video 

• Whatsapp Video Chat 

• Skype 

• Telehealth platforms 

– Ex. Healthie, Simple Practice 

@NRCNA_engAging 
RESOURCES FOR GOING VIRTUAL 

• Resources to start:

– Equipment

• Computer, tablet, smart phone

– Internet access

• At home

• Parking lot “wifi”

– Platform

• Most free, varies by accounts, privacy concerns

– Instructions

• Mailed, emailed, or verbal over the phone

@NRCNA_engAging 
RESOURCES FOR GOING VIRTUAL 

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

• https://www.eatrightpro.org/coronavirus-resources

• https://www.eatrightpro.org/practice/practiceresources/telehealth#quickGuide

• Telehealth Resource Center

• https://www.telehealthresourcecenter.org/

• Individual companies

• Zoom, Skype, etc.

@NRCNA_engAging 
RESOURCES FOR GOING VIRTUAL 

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

• https://www.eatrightpro.org/practice/

@NRCNA_engAging 
REAL WORLD EXAMPLES 

@NRCNA_engAging 
REAL WORLD EXAMPLES 

@NRCNA_engAging 
REAL WORLD EXAMPLES 

@NRCNA_engAging 

What to Expect from Virtual Nutrition Counseling 

The Food Therapist is a virtual practice with video consultations via Healthie, a 

HIPAA-compliant, secure online portal. This convenient way of meeting with your 

dietitian called "telehealth" sav,es time and money. No .more traveling to and from 

appointments; no more paying for parking, transportation or a babysitter for your 

little ones. We can chat on your lunch break, while you're sitting on your couch at 

home, or even while you're taking a walk! Plus . you can stay connected and feel 

supported between appointments via secure messaging. 

Healthie also allows you to schedule your next appointment, keep a photo food 

journal, track metrics ( weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, etc.),, and upload 

relevant health records and lab reports from your physician to help us design nutrition 

recommendations specific to your particular health nee,ds and conditions. All this can 

be done on your computer or phone via a free app. 

on Nutrition 

What to Expect from Virtual Nutrition Counseling

The Food Therapist is a virtual practice with video consultations via Healthie, a 

HIPAA-compliant, secure online portal. This convenient way of meeting with your 

dietitian called “telehealth” saves time and money. No more traveling to and from 

appointments; no more paying for parking, transportation or a babysitter for your little 

ones. We can chat on your lunch break, while you’re sitting on your couch at home, or 

even while you’re taking a walk! Plus you can stay connected and feel supported 

between appointments via secure messaging.

Healthie also allows you to schedule your next appointment, keep a photo food 

journal, track metrics (weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, etc.), and upload 

relevant health records and lab reports from your physician to help us design nutrition 

recommendations specific to your particular health needs and conditions. All this can 

be done on your computer or phone via a free app.
REAL WORLD EXAMPLES 

@NRCNA_engAging 

Weis Markets Offers Virtual Nutrition Counseling 

Platform 

By Bridget Goldschmidt - 04/24/2020 

Get great content like this right in your inbox. Subscribe 

-

0 

Weis Markets has formed a partnership with 

New York-based online tel,eheal h platform 

Healthie. The platform enables consumers to 

consult via video chat with a local Weis Markets 

registered dietitian on health conditions or 

nutritional topics. These include type 2 diabetes, 

high blood pressure/cholesterol, celiac disease, 

weight control, mindful eating, shopping and 

The Healthie platform allows consumers to connect directly with Wei s 

Markets retail dietitians via video chat 

cooking on a budget, kid-friendly recipes, plant-based cooking, and basic cooking skil ls. 

~ Tho National Resource Center on Nutrition & Aging 
REAL WORLD EXAMPLES 

@NRCNA_engAging 
REAL WORLD EXAMPLES 

@NRCNA_engAging 

FREE Zoom Tutorial Class Designed Just For Seniors! 

Join us on Wednesday, May 6th at 10:00 AM on a Zoom meeting. This class is free and will teach 

seniors how to navigate the features of Zoom. The class will include the basics: 

Where is the microphone / mute button?

Where is the video button?

Where is the "chat" button?

How can I see who is talking?

How can I see everyone on the call? 

How do I change my screen name?

And so much more! 

Resource on Nutrition Aging 
POLL 

What percentage of older adults 

use the internet? 

a. ~10% (1/8) 

b.~25% (1/4) 

c.~50% (1/2) 

d.~65% (2/3) 

@NRCNA_engAging 
 

TECHNOLOGY AND OLDER ADULTS 

• Older adults are more digitally connected than ever 

• The digital divide 

• Highest vs. lowest rates of technology adoption 

– “Younger” vs. “Older”

– More affluent vs. less affluent 

– Higher education vs. lower levels of education 

Anderson MO, Perrin AN. Technology use among seniors. Washington, DC: Pew Research Center for Internet & Technology. 2017 Sep. 

@NRCNA_engAging 
TECHNOLOGY AND OLDER ADULTS 

@NRCNA_engAging 
TECHNOLOGY AND OLDER ADULTS 

@NRCNA_engAging 
TECHNOLOGY AND OLDER ADULTS 

• Be cautious not to stereotype 

• Older adults are online: 

• ~2/3 of older adults use the internet 

• ~3/4 of internet users go online every day 

• They are the fastest growing group of Facebook users: 

• 18% in 2011 

• 32% in 2018 

http://longevity.stanford.edu/2019/05/30/older-adults-and-technology-moving-beyond-the-stereotypes/ 

@NRCNA_engAging 
DISCUSSION QUESTION 

What barriers have you experienced, or do 

you anticipate from going virtual? And/or 

what solutions have you found? 

Enter responses into the chat box on your screen. 

@NRCNA_engAging 32 
VIRTUAL EDUCATION TIPS 

• Support in setting up tech 

• Provide instructions ahead of time 

• Have telephone number available 

• Tips for engagement 

• Roll call 

• Tell them what to do and how to do it 

• Ask questions, use polls and discussions 

• Use their names 

• Use video or engaging images (picture of you) 

@NRCNA_engAging 
VIRTUAL EDUCATION TIPS 

• Step-by-step: 

• Log-on 

• Introduce self 

• Explain how to use platform 

• Roll call (verbal or chat box) or “how are you”

• Introduce topic and outline or start 1-on-1 

• Education/ counseling 

• Breaks for check ins (are you tracking, everything OK?) 

• Ask questions/engage throughout 

• End with questions and let them know next steps 

@NRCNA_engAging 
FEATURED NUTRITION EDUCATION RESOURCES 

• There are many nutrition education resources online 

that you can use! 

• Featured Nutrition Education Resources: 

• MyPlate During Coronavirus Pandemic 

• Nutrition Facts Label for Older Adults 

• Healthy Eating Tips for Seniors 

• Exercise and Physical Activity 

• Fit4Life Videos 

• Food Safety for Older Adults 

• Fresh Conversations 

• Eat Smart, Live Strong 

• Cooking Matters 

@NRCNA_engAging 
 

FEATURED NUTRITION EDUCATION RESOURCES 

• Start Simple with MyPlate: Food Planning During 

the Coronavirus Pandemic 

https://www.choosemyplate.gov/coronavirus 

• Highlights: 

– Downloadable PDF 

– Tips for Every Aisle 

– Sample 2-Week Menus 

– MyPlate Plan Tool 

@NRCNA_engAging 
FEATURED NUTRITION EDUCATION RESOURCES 

• Using the Nutrition Facts Label: For Older Adults 

https://www.fda.gov/food/new-nutrition-factslabel/using-nutrition-facts-label-older-adults 

• Highlights: 

– Downloadable PDF 

– How to read a label 

@NRCNA_engAging 
FEATURED NUTRITION EDUCATION RESOURCES 

• NCOA Healthy Eating Tips for Seniors 

https://www.ncoa.org/economic-security/benefits/food-andnutrition/senior-nutrition/ 

• Highlights: 

– Healthy Eating Videos 

– Infographics 

@NRCNA_engAging 
FEATURED NUTRITION EDUCATION RESOURCES 

• NIA Exercise and Physical Activity (formerly Go4Life) 

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-physical-activity 

• Highlights: 

– Articles 

– Tracking tools 

– Walking Club toolkit 

@NRCNA_engAging 
FEATURED NUTRITION EDUCATION RESOURCES 

• Go4Life Videos 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCCD15A44D95DBCDF 

@NRCNA_engAging 
FEATURED NUTRITION EDUCATION RESOURCES 

• FDA Food Safety for Older Adults 

https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/foodsafety-older-adults 

• Highlights: 

– PDF Guide 

– Multiple topics 

@NRCNA_engAging 
 

FEATURED NUTRITION EDUCATION RESOURCES 

• Fresh Conversations 

https://idph.iowa.gov/inn/freshconversations/coordinators/training-materials 

• Highlights: 

– Nutrition education program designed 

to support healthy aging and independence 

– Training videos and PDF Resources 

– Program can be implemented virtually with guidance and 

permission from the Iowa Department of Public Health 

@NRCNA_engAging 
 

 

FEATURED NUTRITION EDUCATION RESOURCES 

• Eat Smart, Live Strong 

https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/nutritioneducation/fns-curricula/eat-smart-live-strong 

• Highlights: 

– Designed to improve fruit and vegetable 

consumption and physical activity 

among 60-74-year olds 

– PDF guides and handouts for 4 lessons 

– Stay tuned for additional guidance regarding 

how to ‘go virtual’ with this program

@NRCNA_engAging 
 

FEATURED NUTRITION EDUCATION RESOURCES 

• Cooking Matters 

http://cookingmatters.org/tips 

• Highlights: 

• Not specific for seniors 

• Can be tailored for an older 

adult audience 

– Great videos and articles 

• This program can be offered 

virtually 

@NRCNA_engAging 
WRAPPING IT UP 

Hopefully, you now you have a better understanding of: 

• The need for virtual nutrition education. 

• Different ways to connect. 

• Platforms and resources for going virtual. 

• Older adults and technology. 

• Virtual education tips and tools. 

• Featured nutrition education resources. 

@NRCNA_engAging 45 
TAKE HOME MESSAGES 

• We need to connect with older adults. 

• The need for virtual nutrition 

education is here and now. 

• There are many ways to provide 

virtual care to older adults. 

• Take advantage of existing resources. 

@NRCNA_engAging 
CALL TO ACTION 

• Identify areas to go virtual 

• Learn the ins and outs of your platform 

• Determine resources you will use 

@NRCNA_engAging 

• Promote and start providing virtual care
 

REFERENCES 

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics COVID-19 Professional Resource Hub 

https://www.eatrightpro.org/coronavirus-resources 

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Telehealth website 

https://www.eatrightpro.org/practice/practiceresources/telehealth#quickGuide 

• Telehealth Resource Center https://www.telehealthresourcecenter.org/ 

• Anderson MO, Perrin AN. Technology use among seniors. Washington, DC: 

Pew Research Center for Internet & Technology. 2017 Sep. 

• Older Adults and Technology: Moving Beyond the Stereotypes. Stanford 

Center on Longevity website. 

http://longevity.stanford.edu/2019/05/30/older-adults-and-technologymoving-beyond-the-stereotypes/ 

@NRCNA_engAging 
 

REFERENCES 

• Start Simple with MyPlate: Food Planning During the Coronavirus Pandemic 

https://www.choosemyplate.gov/coronavirus 

• Using the Nutrition Facts Label: For Older Adults 

https://www.fda.gov/food/new-nutrition-facts-label/using-nutrition-factslabel-older-adults 

• NCOA Healthy Eating Tips for Seniors https://www.ncoa.org/economicsecurity/benefits/food-and-nutrition/senior-nutrition/ 

• NIA Exercise and Physical Activity (formerly Go4Life) 

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-physical-activity 

• FDA Food Safety for Older Adults https://www.fda.gov/food/people-riskfoodborne-illness/food-safety-older-adults 

@NRCNA_engAging 
QUESTIONS? 

5 

0 
Q & A 
MAIN CONCERNS 

@NRCNA_engAging 52 
SAVE THE DATE 

Together with NANASP, we will host a two-part webinar series to offer a 

peer-to-peer conversation on resuming new normal operations. 

Title: Resuming New Normal Operations: Two Peer to Peer Exchanges 

Date #1: Tuesday May 26th 

Focus: Rural Programs 

Date #2: May 28th, 2020 

Focus: Urban Programs 

Time for both events: 3:30pm – 4:30pm ET 

Register: www.nutritionandaging.org/training 

@NRCNA_engAging 53 
 

 

COMING SOON 

Technical Assistance and Training Needs Assessment 

Survey 

• The NRCNA will be fielding a survey early next month to 

examine the educational needs of senior nutrition 

program staff across the country. 

• The survey findings will be used to establish 

recommendations that will inform a strategy for ongoing 

training development by the NRCNA for the benefit of 

senior nutrition program professionals in the Aging 

Network. 

• Stay tuned! 

Photo by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash 

@NRCNA_engAging 
SOON TO BE RELEASED 

Senior Nutrition COVID-19 Resource Compendium 

• Summarizes available guidance and tip sheets to support emergency 

preparedness related to this public health emergency: 

• Meeting client needs 

• Client education 

• Addressing social isolation 

• Program operations & Meal options 

• Managing staff & volunteers 

• Food delivery/food service 

• Community coordination 

• Work environment/food safety 

Stay in the know - be sure to subscribe to our monthly e-newsletters! 

@NRCNA_engAging 
 

 

CONNECT WITH YOUR PEERS VIA NRCNAengage 

NRCNAengage is an online venue for senior nutrition program staff, nutrition 

and aging professionals across the country to connect, share best practices, 

@NRCNA_engAging 

resources, recipes and ideas for action! 

56 

Signing up is easy! 

Visit 

https://nrcna.mn.co/ and 

click ‘Invite’!
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THANK YOU