Nutrition for Healthy Ageing from edX

How your body changes with age and the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle As you age, the functioning of your body declines: your muscles become less strong, your bones more brittle and you may become more forgetful.

Fortunately, we can do something about this! Studies have shown that a healthy diet, together with regular exercise, can slow down or prevent the decline in muscle strength, bone density and brain functioning with age.

Are you ready to learn how diet and lifestyle can slow down ageing?

Science-based insight in the role of nutrition in longevityIn an era where we are bombarded with opinions on nutrition, this course offers you the science behind food & the ageing body. Understanding the how and the why will not only allow you to make better informed decisions. It will also strengthen your motivation to stick with new, healthy habits.

Together, we will explore what happens in the body and how this affects your functioning. Learn how to use nutrition and lifestyle to slow down ageing.

Join us today and improve your chance at living a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life!

Lifestyle over genetics In the introductory module, we will explore the general context of the ageing process. We will learn from the so-called Blue Zones, the importance of lifestyle and the role of genes.

The ageing body; your digestion, muscles, bones and brainIn the subsequent four modules, we’ll take a deep dive into the effect of ageing on:

Food consumption, digestion and how medication could influence this;
What happens in the muscle and how nutrition and exercise can be used to maintain strength;
What changes occur in the bone and how to maintain strong bones; and
What changes take place in the brain, specific risk factors and how to maintain brain health.

Take a look in the mirrorIn the assignments you will be challenged to look at where you are now:

Map your own food intake and compare this with the best diets for ageing;
Assess your risk for ageing diseases; and
Come up with ideas on how to decrease your risks via nutrition and lifestyle.

Upgrade to the Verified TrackFor those looking to further deepen their knowledge, and to learn how to practically implement nutritional advice in their daily (professional) routine, upgrading to the Verified Track may be just the right choice for you!

For whom?This online course is designed for anyone motivated to learn more about healthy ageing. Whether you’re an ‘experience expert’ or you simply want to invest in your health and that of your relatives and friends. Enrol today!

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand what is ageing and what are the main biological causes.
Explain how the food consumption and digestion is altered in the aged body.
Define how ageing affects one's movement, body composition, and memory.

Apply knowledge about nutrition and lifestyle in your daily routine.
After this course you will be able to :

Understand what is ageing and what are the main biological causes.
Explain how the food consumption and digestion is altered in the aged body.
Define how ageing affects one's movement, body composition, and memory.
Apply knowledge about nutrition and lifestyle in your daily routine.
After this course you will be able to :

Syllabus

Module 1. What is ageing? In this module we will introduce you to the field of ageing: what is ageing and how can we influence the ageing trajectory? We will dive into the role of genes as well as lifestyle. In addition, you will learn about different biological causes of ageing.

Module 2. Food consumption and digestion in the ageing body Ageing has a major impact on the body. Amongst others, it has an effect on the foods we consume and how this food is digested in the body. This can lead to malnutrition, which is discussed in this module as well. Finally, you will learn about how medical drugs influence these processes.

Module 3. Nutrition and exercise for muscles and strength As we age, the strength of our muscles and the ability to move declines. In this module you will learn why this is the case, and how you can use nutrition and exercise for your muscles.

Module 4. Nutrition to maintain strong bones Older adults have higher chances of falling, with fractures as a consequence. After following this module you will be able to explain what happens in the bone during ageing, and how you can use nutrition and exercise to maintain strong bones.

Module 5. Nutrition and the brainMemory complaints are very common among the elderly. In this module you will learn what changes take place in the brain that are responsible for these memory complaints, as well as the optimal diet to slow down brain ageing and reduce the risk of dementia.

Module 6. Case studiesWhat advice would you give to a family member who is experiencing memory loss? Or a friend who recently fell and is afraid to break a bone? In this part, you will apply your newly acquired knowledge on nutrition and lifestyle!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the impact of aging on the body and how nutrition and lifestyle can slow the process

Taught by a team of experts in the field of nutrition and aging

Provides practical advice on how to improve diet and lifestyle to promote healthy aging

Includes case studies to demonstrate the application of nutrition and lifestyle interventions in real-world settings

Requires students to have a basic understanding of nutrition and physiology

May not be suitable for individuals with advanced knowledge of nutrition and aging

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Nutrition for Healthy Ageing with these activities:

Review the basics of biology

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Since this course builds on a foundational understanding of biology, it can prove useful to quickly review the basics. This review may help you identify the depth of your existing understanding and identify opportunities to strengthen your understanding.

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Review notes from a high school biology course
Take an online quiz or practice test on general biology topics
Watch a video series on basic biology concepts

Review statistics

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Strengthen your statistical knowledge to enhance your understanding of the course materials.

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Review basics of probability and descriptive statistics.
Practice calculating measures of central tendency and dispersion.

Watch video tutorials on the aging process

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Watching video tutorials provides a different perspective on the course material and can help you reinforce your understanding.

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Find video tutorials on reputable websites or platforms
Watch the tutorials
Take notes on the key points

Ten other activities

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Organize and review course materials

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Enhance your learning by organizing and reviewing the materials provided throughout the course.

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Gather and organize notes, assignments, and readings.
Review the materials regularly to retain information.

Follow tutorials on digestion and metabolism

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Supplement your learning by exploring tutorials that delve into the processes of digestion and metabolism.

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Search for reputable tutorials on online platforms.
Follow the tutorials to gain a deeper understanding of the topics.

Solve practice problems on digestion and metabolism

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Practice is key to mastering concepts in this course. This activity provides an opportunity to engage directly with the material and test your understanding and ability to apply knowledge.

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Find practice problems in your textbook or online resources
Solve the problems on your own
Check your answers against the provided solutions

Discuss the role of nutrition in maintaining brain health with classmates

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Engaging in discussions with peers can help you articulate your understanding of the course material, learn from different perspectives, and identify areas where you need further clarification.

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Form a study group with classmates
Choose a topic related to the role of nutrition in maintaining brain health
Prepare talking points and research to support your views
Engage in a respectful and informative discussion

Practice questions on muscle anatomy

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Reinforce your knowledge of muscle anatomy through targeted practice questions.

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Find practice questions or online quizzes.
Attempt the questions to identify areas for improvement.

Create a poster or infographic on the benefits of a healthy diet

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Creating visual aids can reinforce your understanding of the course material and demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.

Browse courses on Healthy Diet

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Research the benefits of a healthy diet
Design your poster or infographic
Create the visual aid

Attend a webinar on nutrition and brain health

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Expand your knowledge by participating in a webinar that focuses on the connection between nutrition and brain health.

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Search for upcoming webinars on the topic.
Register and attend the webinar.

Develop a personalized nutrition plan to slow down the aging process

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Creating a personalized nutrition plan will allow you to apply the knowledge gained in this course to your own life and make real-world changes to improve your health and well-being.

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Research different dietary approaches and their impact on aging
Consult with a registered dietitian or other qualified healthcare professional
Create a detailed nutrition plan that meets your individual needs and goals
Implement the plan and track your progress
Make adjustments as needed

Develop a nutrition plan for a specific health goal

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Apply your understanding of nutrition by creating a personalized plan that aligns with your health goals.

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Identify your specific health goal.
Research different dietary approaches.
Create a nutrition plan based on your research and goal.

Participate in a cooking workshop focused on healthy aging

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Gain practical experience by attending a cooking workshop that emphasizes healthy eating for aging adults.

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Find and register for a relevant cooking workshop.
Attend the workshop and actively participate.

Career center

Learners who complete Nutrition for Healthy Ageing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Dietitian

Dietitians work with people of all ages to improve their health through better nutrition and lifestyle changes. They can help people with a variety of conditions, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In this course, you will learn about the science behind food and the ageing body, including how nutrition and lifestyle can slow down ageing. This knowledge can be applied to help clients maintain a healthy weight, manage chronic diseases, and improve their overall health and well-being.

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Nutritionist

Nutritionists help people understand the relationship between food and health. They can help people make healthy food choices and develop personalized nutrition plans. In this course, you will learn about the science behind food and the ageing body, including how nutrition and lifestyle can slow down ageing. This knowledge can help you develop effective nutrition plans for your clients, helping them to improve their health and well-being.

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Health Coach

Health coaches help people make lifestyle changes to improve their health and well-being. They can help people with a variety of goals, including weight loss, stress management, and smoking cessation. In this course, you will learn about the science behind food and the ageing body, including how nutrition and lifestyle can slow down ageing. This knowledge can help you develop effective coaching plans for your clients, helping them to make lasting changes to their lifestyle and improve their health.

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Personal Trainer

Personal trainers help people improve their physical fitness. They can help people with a variety of goals, including weight loss, muscle building, and improving cardiovascular health. In this course, you will learn about the science behind food and the ageing body, including how nutrition and lifestyle can slow down ageing. This knowledge can help you develop effective training plans for your clients, helping them to achieve their fitness goals and improve their overall health.

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Wellness Coach

Wellness coaches help people improve their overall health and well-being. They can help people with a variety of goals, including weight loss, stress management, and improving sleep. In this course, you will learn about the science behind food and the ageing body, including how nutrition and lifestyle can slow down ageing. This knowledge can help you develop effective coaching plans for your clients, helping them to make lasting changes to their lifestyle and improve their health and well-being.

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Registered Nurse

Registered nurses provide a variety of healthcare services to patients, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. In this course, you will learn about the science behind food and the ageing body, including how nutrition and lifestyle can slow down ageing. This knowledge can help you provide better care to your patients, helping them to maintain their health and well-being.

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Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed practical nurses provide a variety of healthcare services to patients, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. In this course, you will learn about the science behind food and the ageing body, including how nutrition and lifestyle can slow down ageing. This knowledge can help you provide better care to your patients, helping them to maintain their health and well-being.

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Medical Assistant

Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks in a healthcare setting. They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctor's offices. In this course, you will learn about the science behind food and the ageing body, including how nutrition and lifestyle can slow down ageing. This knowledge can help you provide better support to patients and healthcare providers, helping to improve the quality of care.

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Geriatric Social Worker

Geriatric social workers help older adults and their families cope with the challenges of ageing. They can provide a variety of services, including counseling, case management, and advocacy. In this course, you will learn about the science behind food and the ageing body, including how nutrition and lifestyle can slow down ageing. This knowledge can help you provide better support to older adults and their families, helping them to maintain their health and well-being.

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Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists help people with disabilities or injuries regain their independence and improve their quality of life. They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and schools. In this course, you will learn about the science behind food and the ageing body, including how nutrition and lifestyle can slow down ageing. This knowledge can help you develop effective treatment plans for your clients, helping them to achieve their goals and live more fulfilling lives.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists help people with communication disorders. They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and schools. In this course, you will learn about the science behind food and the ageing body, including how nutrition and lifestyle can slow down ageing. This knowledge can help you develop effective treatment plans for your clients, helping them to improve their communication skills and quality of life.

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Physical Therapist

Physical therapists help people with injuries or disabilities regain their mobility and function. They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. In this course, you will learn about the science behind food and the ageing body, including how nutrition and lifestyle can slow down ageing. This knowledge can help you develop effective treatment plans for your clients, helping them to achieve their goals and live more fulfilling lives.

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Recreational Therapist

Recreational therapists help people with disabilities or injuries improve their physical, cognitive, and social skills through recreational activities. They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. In this course, you will learn about the science behind food and the ageing body, including how nutrition and lifestyle can slow down ageing. This knowledge can help you develop effective treatment plans for your clients, helping them to improve their quality of life.

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Art Therapist

Art therapists use art to help people with mental and emotional problems. They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and schools. In this course, you will learn about the science behind food and the ageing body, including how nutrition and lifestyle can slow down ageing. This knowledge can help you develop effective treatment plans for your clients, helping them to improve their mental and emotional health.

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Music Therapist

Music therapists use music to help people with physical, cognitive, and emotional problems. They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. In this course, you will learn about the science behind food and the ageing body, including how nutrition and lifestyle can slow down ageing. This knowledge can help you develop effective treatment plans for your clients, helping them to improve their quality of life.

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