More than just living longer, today's seniors also want more choice and control in their lives than previous generations, says Heather Keller, professor in the department of family relations and applied nutrition. Keller is applying this in two research projects, one a new report on herbal and vitamin use among seniors, the second a long-term nutrition education program. Along with fellow researchers, Keller hopes Evergreen will be the first stop on a nationwide journey to make nutrition a mainstay of seniors' health care. In part, we adopted this innovative approach because there is a new type of senior today, one who wants to be involved in his or her own health-care choices.
Seniors like to have some control.
Keller tries to get the message out that there is a critical distinction between meals and nutrition. She points out that some seniors may neglect nutritional staples, such as fruits and vegetables. The program began with a survey of 400 Evergreen members, to identify nutrition problems. The planning committee of researchers and seniors then looked at the results. At the same time, an earlier and ongoing research project is beginning to pay dividends.