Nutrition Education Needs of Elders in Illinois

This project's goal was to determine specific nutrition education needs of the elderly in Illinois through a cooperative effort between the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service and the Illinois Department of Public Health. Respondents to the Illinois Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey 65 and older were asked additional nutrition-related questions to clarify hypertension/hypercholesterolemia-related behavior, obesity, fruit/vegetable, and dairy intake issues. Data from the 472 seniors were analyzed relative to sociodemographic variables and the U. S. Dietary Guidelines. Results suggest that the elderly in Illinois are at nutritional risk and should be targeted for education programs directed at cardiovascular health and fruit/vegetable and dairy consumption. These programs have been initiated in Illinois through ICES.