THE NEW NORMAL WAY TO 

OFFER KEY NUTRITION 

SERVICES
INTRODUCTIONS

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OPENING 

REMARKS

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@NRCNA_engAging

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

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@NRCNA_engAging

VIRTUAL NUTRITION 

EDUCATION FOR OLDER ADULTS

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

May 19, 2020
@NRCNA_engAging

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...

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

• Connection= Maintaining mental and physical health

• Social Isolation Increases:

• Loneliness

• Nutrition issues

• Health risk
@NRCNA_engAging

How are you currently providing nutrition

education to your clients? (primary)

a. I am not

b. Telephone

c. Mail

d. Video

e. Other

POLL
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DIFFERENT WAYS TO CONNECT

• Telephone

• Public television

• Mail (handouts, newsletters)

• Innovative In-Person Options

• Email

• Video call

• Video group

• Video public

• Other*
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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
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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

What do you plan to do next?

a. Public television

b. Video calls

c. Video groups

d. Innovative in person options

e. Other

POLL
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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.

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@NRCNA_engAging

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
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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
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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.
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RESOURCES FOR GOING VIRTUAL

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

• https://www.eatrightpro.org/practice/
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REAL WORLD EXAMPLES
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REAL WORLD EXAMPLES
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REAL WORLD EXAMPLES

What to expect from virtual nutrition counseling?

The food therapist is a virtual practice with video consultation via Healthie, a HIPPA-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 our 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 foot 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. 
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REAL WORLD EXAMPLES
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REAL WORLD EXAMPLES
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REAL WORLD EXAMPLES
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What percentage of older adults

use the internet?

a. ~10% (1/8)

b.~25% (1/4)

c.~50% (1/2)

d.~65% (2/3)

POLL
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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.
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TECHNOLOGY AND OLDER ADULTS
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TECHNOLOGY AND OLDER ADULTS
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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.

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@NRCNA_engAging

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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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FEATURED NUTRITION EDUCATION RESOURCES

• Go4Life Videos

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

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@NRCNA_engAging

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

• Promote and start providing virtual care
@NRCNA_engAging

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
QUESTIONS?
Q & A
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MAIN CONCERNS

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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

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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
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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!
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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, 

resources, recipes and ideas for action!

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Signing up is easy! 

Visit 

https://nrcna.mn.co/ and 

click ‘Invite’!
• Title Text

THANK YOU

– Body Level Five