Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - GERO 407 D100

Nutrition and Aging (3)

Class Number: 6297

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 17, 2021
    Sat, 12:00–12:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units and GERO 300 or KIN 110.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course examines specific nutritional conditions and concerns of the aging population. It does so by exploring the nutrient needs of the elderly as determined by physiological changes of aging, metabolic effects of common diseases, and biochemical interactions of medications. The course includes a broad investigation of the psychological, sociological, and physical factors which influence food choice and ultimately nutritional status in aging.

COURSE DETAILS:

You will examine how early human development and changes with advancing years are associated with nutritional well-being of older adults. We will use the ecological model of health to understand individual, interpersonal, community/institutional, and policy factors affecting food choice, preparation, consumption, enjoyment and security among older adults.

Learning processes include:

  • Small-group investigations and discussions of older adults facing nutrition-related challenges. Groups will individually decide whether these are synchronous, asynchronous, or a mix.
  • Lectures outlining key information in weekly readings, supplementary facts and ideas. These will be 60-75 minutes of synchronous Zoom time during the scheduled Friday class (9:30-12:00). They will be recorded and available to all students.
  • Weekly readings to be done between classes. These will include 5 or more online questions or discussion topics, designed to focus your learning and prepare you for the upcoming class.
  • Support and feedback delivered through asynchronous Canvas Discussions and some recorded (asynchronous) presentations.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

EDUCATIONAL GOALS

  1. An understanding of issues associated with older adult nutritional well-being, across the ecological framework;
  2. Skills necessary for critical analysis of nutrition research and claims;
  3. Knowledge of clinical, community and commercial resources designed to support nutritional well-being of older adults;
Capacity to effectively integrate the above in analysis of an older adult’s life situation and subsequently provide evidence-based, ethical, and feasible recommendations for optimizing nutritional well-being.

Grading

  • Case Study Assignments (teams of 3-5 students) 30%
  • Weekly Readings Online Questions and Discussions (individual) 20%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  • Sections of online SFU Library Reserve textbook:

Bales, C.W. (2014). Handbook of Clinical Nutrition and Aging, edited by Connie Watkins Bales, et al., Humana Press, 2014. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/lib/sfu-ebooks/detail.action?docID=1968205.

 

  • Additional weekly online readings linked to the course Canvas site.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).