The Geriatric Dietitian

What is the difference between hospice, palliative care, and end-of-life care? In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, registered dietitian Katie Dodd kicks off a five-part series on nutrition at end of life. We discuss what hospice and palliative care are, how they differ, where hospice services are provided, and what it means when someone is approaching the end of life. We also explore why conversations about dying are so important and how understanding the end-of-life process can help reduce confusion, anxiety, and guilt for family members and caregivers. This episode sets the foundation for understanding why nutrition goals change as someone approaches the end of life. Read the full article: https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/embracing-hospice-end-of-life-nutrition/ This is part 1 of our five-part series on nutrition at end of life.

What if you're over 65 and you actually want to lose weight? In this final episode of our five-part BMI series, we take a closer look at intentional weight loss in older adults and why the decision is more nuanced than simply looking at a number on the scale or a BMI chart. We'll discuss why standard BMI categories may not tell the whole story after age 65, why weight history and weight stability matter, and why preserving muscle should be a major priority if intentional weight loss is pursued. In this episode, you'll learn: Why BMI alone shouldn't determine whether an older adult needs to lose weight Why usual body weight and weight stability matter How weight loss can include both fat and muscle loss Why muscle is so important for strength, mobility, function, and independence Why protein and resistance exercise are especially important during intentional weight loss Why protein intake throughout the day may help support muscle How malnutrition and sarcopenic obesity can occur even in someone living in a larger body Why overall health, nutrition, strength, and function matter more than chasing a specific number on the scale The big takeaway from this entire BMI series: preserve muscle. If intentional weight loss is appropriate for you, talk with your healthcare team and consider working with a geriatric dietitian who can help you look at the bigger picture. Visit The Geriatric Dietitian: https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/ Get my FREE healthy aging nutrition resource: https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com/ This episode is for educational purposes only and is not individualized medical or nutrition advice.

Unintentional weight loss in older adults is something we need to take seriously. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, Katie discusses why weight stability matters as we age and why losing weight without trying can be a warning sign rather than something to celebrate. This is Part 4 of the five-part BMI in Older Adults series. In this episode, you'll learn: Why unintended weight loss in older adults is concerning How weight loss can contribute to muscle loss and loss of independence What is considered significant unintended weight loss Why gradual or insidious weight loss can still be a red flag The connection between weight loss, malnutrition, and mortality How the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) is used to screen for malnutrition risk How dietitians assess muscle loss and nutrition status Why usual body weight and weight trends matter more than focusing on one number When weighing an older adult may not be appropriate Why preserving muscle should remain a priority Katie also discusses why weight loss should be evaluated in the context of nutrition, muscle, strength, function, health status, and an individual's usual body weight. Learn more at TheGeriatricDietitian.com. Next week, we'll wrap up the BMI in Older Adults series by discussing what older adults should consider when they intentionally want or need to lose weight.

When it comes to healthy aging, the number on the scale doesn't tell the whole story. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we're talking about sarcopenia - the loss of muscle that occurs with aging - and why preserving muscle is so important for older adults. We'll look at the relationship between muscle mass, function, independence, falls, frailty, and mortality. We'll also discuss sarcopenic obesity and why someone can live in a larger body while still having inadequate muscle mass. In this episode, you'll learn: What sarcopenia is and why it matters Why weight and BMI don't tell us about body composition What sarcopenic obesity means How muscle loss can impact function, independence, and mortality Why weight loss isn't always a positive outcome in older adults Why preserving muscle should be a priority as we age This episode is part three of a five-part series on BMI in older adults. Learn more about BMI in older adults: https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/bmi-in-the-elderly/ Thanks for listening to The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast!

Is a lower BMI always better as we age? Not necessarily. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, Katie takes a closer look at what the research actually shows about BMI and mortality in adults over age 65. Research suggests that the BMI range associated with the lowest rates of mortality in older adults may be higher than the standard "normal" BMI range used for younger adults. Katie discusses why this matters, why unintended weight loss deserves attention, and why muscle, strength, function, and independence should be part of the conversation when evaluating weight in older adults. In this episode, you'll learn: ✨ Why standard adult BMI categories may not tell the whole story for adults over 65 ✨ What research shows about BMI and all-cause mortality in older adults ✨ Why a BMI around 27 was associated with the lowest mortality in a large meta-analysis ✨ Why unintended weight loss and muscle loss are important concerns with aging ✨ Why BMI should always be considered in the context of the individual Katie also shares why she uses approximately 23 to 30 as the BMI range associated with the lowest rates of mortality in older adults, while emphasizing that BMI is only one piece of the overall picture. Resources: BMI in the Elderly: What You Need to Know https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/bmi-in-the-elderly/ Free Healthy Aging Nutrition Guide https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com/ The Geriatric Dietitian https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/ Be sure to subscribe to The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast so you don't miss the rest of this five-part series on BMI and older adults. In the next episode, Katie discusses sarcopenia and why muscle matters so much as we age.

BMI is used everywhere in healthcare, but does the standard BMI chart really apply to older adults? In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, registered dietitian and geriatric nutrition specialist Katie Dodd breaks down what BMI actually measures, where it came from, its limitations, and why BMI needs to be interpreted differently as we age. In this episode, you'll learn: What BMI is and how the standard adult BMI categories are defined The surprising history of BMI and why it was never originally designed as an individual health assessment Why BMI does not account for muscle mass, body composition, nutrition status, physical activity, or functional status What research tells us about BMI and mortality in adults over age 65 Why a BMI traditionally classified as "overweight" may be associated with lower mortality risk in older adults Why unintended weight loss, malnutrition, and muscle loss are especially important considerations with aging Why healthcare providers should look at the whole person instead of automatically recommending weight loss based on BMI alone The big takeaway: BMI is just one piece of information. It does not define someone's health, and when BMI is used in older adults, it needs to be interpreted in the context of aging. This episode kicks off a five-part series on BMI in older adults. Next week, we'll dig deeper into optimal BMI for older adults and what the research tells us about why those numbers change after age 65. Learn more from The Geriatric Dietitian: BMI in the Elderly: What You Need to Know - The Geriatric Dietitian Get the FREE Healthy Aging Nutrition Guide: https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast and share it with someone who would benefit from evidence-based nutrition information for healthy aging.

In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, Katie is joined by registered dietitian Laura MacDonald, founder of The Seniors Dietitian, to talk about nutrition and dementia and practical ways caregivers can support their loved ones. Laura shares how dementia can impact every part of eating- from recognizing hunger and planning meals to grocery shopping, preparing food, using utensils, chewing, swallowing, and maintaining a healthy appetite. In this episode, we discuss: • How dementia can affect eating, appetite, and nutrition • Practical ways caregivers can support meals and food access • Chewing and swallowing concerns and when to seek additional help • Strategies for maintaining independence with eating • Reduced appetite, unintended weight loss, and ways to make every bite count Laura MacDonald is a registered dietitian and founder of The Seniors Dietitian. After more than a decade working in acute care with older adults, she developed a special interest in helping caregivers understand and navigate poor appetite, unintended weight loss, and other nutrition challenges associated with dementia. Connect with Laura: The Seniors Dietitian: https://theseniorsdietitian.com/ Instagram: @TheSeniorsDietitian Free Nutrition Guides for Seniors & Caregivers: https://the-seniors-dietitian. kit.com/3918450b79 Laura is also developing Feeding with Confidence, a comprehensive course designed to help caregivers navigate nutrition, low appetite, unintended weight loss, and eating changes throughout the progression of dementia. Get the FREE Healthy Aging Nutrition Guide: https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com/ Learn more at The Geriatric Dietitian: https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/

Good oral health is about so much more than preventing cavities. Your mouth plays an important role in your ability to eat, enjoy food, maintain good nutrition, and stay healthy and independent as you age. In this final episode of our five-part series on oral health in older adults, registered dietitian Katie Dodd shares practical strategies for maintaining good oral health as you age. In this episode, you'll learn: Simple daily habits that support good oral health Tips for brushing, flossing, and denture care How dry mouth and nutrition affect oral health Why regular dental care matters Ways caregivers can support older adults with oral care Dental care can be expensive, transportation can be difficult, and changing lifelong habits isn't always easy. But small, consistent steps can help protect your oral health and prevent bigger problems down the road. Remember: the mouth is the first route of nutrition. Taking care of your mouth can help you continue enjoying the foods you love, support good nutrition, preserve independence, and protect your overall quality of life. Free Healthy Aging Nutrition Guide: https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com/ Learn more at The Geriatric Dietitian: https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/

Poor oral health can have serious consequences for older adults that go far beyond cavities and tooth loss. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, geriatric dietitian Katie Dodd explains how oral health problems can contribute to malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia. You'll learn how pain, missing teeth, poorly fitting dentures, and dry mouth can make eating more difficult and lead to unintended weight loss. Katie also discusses the connection between oral bacteria, dysphagia, and aspiration pneumonia, and why good oral hygiene is an important part of supporting overall health in older adults. In this episode, you'll learn: How poor oral health can increase the risk of malnutrition Why chewing difficulties can affect calorie and protein intake The connection between dysphagia, oral bacteria, and aspiration pneumonia Why oral hygiene matters beyond preventing cavities Ways healthcare professionals and caregivers can identify and address oral health concerns Poor oral health isn't just a dental issue. It's a nutrition issue. It's a quality-of-life issue, and sometimes it can even be a life-or-death issue.

Missing teeth and difficulty chewing are common in older adults, but tooth loss is not a normal part of healthy aging. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, Katie Dodd, MS, RDN, CSG, LD, FAND discusses how missing teeth, dentures, and chewing difficulties can impact nutrition, food choices, socialization, and quality of life. While dentures can be incredibly helpful, they don't function exactly like natural teeth. Eating with dentures can take time and practice, and some older adults may continue to avoid certain foods because they're difficult or uncomfortable to chew. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why tooth loss is not a normal part of healthy aging • How missing teeth can affect nutrition • Why dentures don't completely eliminate chewing difficulties • Signs that an older adult may be struggling to chew, even if they say they aren't • Nutritious soft foods that can make eating easier • How to modify foods instead of simply eliminating them • Why chewing difficulties can contribute to unintended weight loss • How dentures and tooth loss can affect socialization, confidence, and quality of life • Ways to support someone adjusting to dentures When chewing becomes difficult, the goal isn't simply to remove nutritious foods from the diet. Instead, we can find ways to make those foods softer and easier to eat while continuing to meet nutritional needs. Learn more from The Geriatric Dietitian: https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/ Get free nutrition resources from The Geriatric Dietitian: https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com/ Be sure to subscribe to The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast and share this episode with someone who may find it helpful.

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is incredibly common in older adults, but it's often overlooked. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, saliva plays a critical role in chewing, swallowing, tasting food, protecting teeth, and supporting good nutrition. In this episode, Katie Dodd, MS, RDN, CSG, LD, FAND, explains why dry mouth deserves more attention and shares practical strategies healthcare professionals and caregivers can use to help older adults manage symptoms and maintain quality of life. In this episode, you'll learn: • What xerostomia is and why it occurs • Why saliva is essential for nutrition and oral health • Common causes of dry mouth in older adults • Medications frequently associated with dry mouth • How dry mouth can contribute to malnutrition and dehydration • Nutrition and lifestyle strategies that may help relieve symptoms • Why oral health assessments should be part of nutrition care Even small improvements in oral comfort can make eating more enjoyable and help older adults continue meeting their nutrition needs. 🌐 The Geriatric Dietitian Website https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/ 🎁 Free Healthy Aging Nutrition Guide https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com/

Oral health isn't just about your teeth. It's one of the foundations of good nutrition. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast , I explain why oral health matters so much for older adults and why it's a topic every dietitian, caregiver, and healthcare professional should pay attention to. You'll learn: Why the mouth is the first route of nutrition The connection between oral health and malnutrition Why tooth loss is not a normal part of healthy aging Why I always ask my patients if they brush and floss How poor oral health can make healthy eating more difficult This episode kicks off a five-part series on oral health in older adults. In upcoming episodes, we'll cover dry mouth, tooth loss and dentures, chewing difficulties, poor oral health and malnutrition, and practical nutrition strategies to support healthy aging. Resources Mentioned 🦷 Companion Article: Nutrition and Oral Health in Older Adults https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/nutrition-care-dental-health-in-older-adults/ 🎁 Free Nutrition Resources for Older Adults: https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com/ 📖 The Geriatric Dietitian Website: https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/ Connect with Katie 🌐 Website: https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGeriatricDietitian 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegeriatricdietitian If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a caregiver, healthcare professional, or anyone interested in healthy aging. Every share helps spread evidence-based nutrition information and supports The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast.

What should we call older adults? Is there a "right" term to use, or does it depend on the person? In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast , Katie Dodd, MS, RDN, CSG, LD, FAND, explores the language of aging and discusses the differences between terms like geriatric, elderly, senior, older adult, and healthy aging . While these words are often used interchangeably, they can carry very different meanings and emotions depending on the individual and the setting. Katie shares why she chose the name The Geriatric Dietitian , how her background as a board-certified specialist in gerontological nutrition influenced that decision, and why she intentionally uses a variety of aging-related terms in her educational content. Whether you're a healthcare professional, caregiver, or simply interested in healthy aging, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how language shapes our perceptions of aging and why there may never be one perfect term. In this episode, you'll learn: Why there is no universally preferred term for older adults The differences between geriatric, elderly, senior, and older adult Why many healthcare organizations now favor the term "older adult" How language influences attitudes toward aging Why Katie chose The Geriatric Dietitian as her brand name How search engine optimization (SEO) influences the language used in online education Why aging should be viewed as a privilege and celebrated

What exactly is a geriatric dietitian, and how are they different from a nutritionist? In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast , I explain the differences between a registered dietitian, a nutritionist, and a geriatric dietitian. You'll also learn what it means to be a Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG) and why specialized nutrition care matters for older adults. Whether you're an older adult, family caregiver, or healthcare professional, understanding these credentials can help you make informed decisions about your nutrition care. In this episode you'll learn: • The difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist • The education and training required to become a registered dietitian • Why nutrition for older adults requires specialized knowledge • What a Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG) is • How geriatric dietitians help older adults stay healthy, strong, and independent If you've ever wondered who to trust for nutrition advice, this episode will help clear up the confusion. This episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace individualized medical advice. Learn more about geriatric nutrition at: https://thegeriatricdietitian.com Grab your free healthy aging resource here: Free Healthy Aging Resource If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit from learning more about healthy aging and nutrition.

Calories are often talked about in the context of dieting and weight loss, but for many older adults, not eating enough can become a much bigger concern. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we discuss why calories matter for healthy aging, why unintended weight loss should never be ignored, and practical ways older adults can support adequate nutrition intake. In this episode, you'll learn: What calories actually are and why the body needs them Why unintended weight loss is concerning in older adults How low calorie intake can contribute to muscle loss and frailty Why preserving muscle matters for healthy aging High-calorie foods that may help support weight maintenance Practical ways to increase calories throughout the day How calories and protein work together When to involve your healthcare team This episode also discusses why nutrition for older adults is not always about restriction. In many situations, healthy aging nutrition is about making sure older adults are eating enough to maintain strength, physical function, and independence. Learn more at: The Geriatric Dietitian Grab your free healthy aging resource here: Free Healthy Aging Resource If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit from learning more about healthy aging and nutrition.

Protein is an important nutrient for healthy aging because it plays a major role in maintaining muscle, strength, physical function, and independence. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we discuss why protein matters so much for older adults, how aging affects muscle mass, and practical ways to increase protein intake throughout the day. In this episode, you'll learn: Why protein is important for older adults What sarcopenia is and why it matters Protein recommendations for seniors Why older adults may benefit from higher protein intake Food sources of protein, including plant-based options Why exercise and resistance training matter alongside protein Signs of low protein intake Practical tips for increasing protein intake throughout the day Protein supports muscle maintenance, healing, immunity, mobility, and overall healthy aging. This episode also explains how protein and exercise work together to help older adults stay strong and maintain independence. Learn more at: The Geriatric Dietitian Grab your free healthy aging resource here: Free Healthy Aging Resource If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit from learning more about nutrition and healthy aging.

Fiber is an important nutrient for healthy aging, yet most adults, including older adults, are not getting enough. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we discuss why fiber matters for older adults, how it supports digestion and overall health, and practical ways to increase fiber intake safely. In this episode, you'll learn: What fiber is and why it matters for healthy aging How fiber supports digestion, gut health, heart health, and blood sugar management Fiber recommendations for older adults Why most adults still need more fiber Food sources high in fiber Why fluid intake matters when increasing fiber When fiber supplements may be helpful Why constipation is not always as simple as "eat more fiber" Fiber plays an important role in bowel regularity, fullness after meals, cholesterol management, and supporting the gut microbiome. This episode also includes a personal story about chronic constipation and why individualized healthcare matters. Learn more at: The Geriatric Dietitian Grab your free healthy aging resource here: Free Healthy Aging Resource If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit from learning more about healthy aging and nutrition.

Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient for healthy aging, but unlike some other nutrients, the challenge for older adults is often not intake alone. It's absorption. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we discuss why vitamin B12 deficiency becomes more common with aging, what symptoms to watch for, and how older adults can support healthy vitamin B12 levels. In this episode, you'll learn: What vitamin B12 does in the body Why older adults are at higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency How aging affects vitamin B12 absorption Vitamin B12 recommendations for older adults Symptoms and risks of vitamin B12 deficiency Foods high in vitamin B12 The role of fortified foods and supplements Why individualized nutrition care matters Vitamin B12 supports nerve health, brain health, red blood cell production, energy metabolism, and overall healthy aging. Because deficiency risk increases with age, this nutrient deserves attention in older adulthood. Learn more at: The Geriatric Dietitian Grab your free healthy aging resource here: Free Healthy Aging Resource If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit from learning more about nutrition and healthy aging.

Vitamin B6 may not get as much attention as nutrients like vitamin D or calcium, but it still plays an important role in healthy aging. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we discuss what vitamin B6 does in the body, why needs increase with age, and how older adults can make sure they're getting enough. You'll learn: What vitamin B6 does in the body Why vitamin B6 needs increase after age 50 Why some older adults may be at risk for low vitamin B6 intake Food sources high in vitamin B6 Whether older adults need a vitamin B6 supplement Why variety in the diet matters for healthy aging Vitamin B6 supports metabolism, brain health, immune function, nerve function, and red blood cell production. While true deficiency is considered rare, some older adults may not consistently meet recommended intake levels. This episode also highlights practical and accessible food sources of vitamin B6, including bananas, potatoes, salmon, chickpeas, fortified cereals, and more. Learn more at: The Geriatric Dietitian Grab your free healthy aging resource here: Free Healthy Aging Resource If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit from learning more about nutrition and healthy aging.

Calcium is an important nutrients for healthy aging, especially when it comes to maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of fractures as we get older. But calcium does much more than support bone health. It also plays a role in muscle function, nerve signaling, blood clotting, and heart function. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we discuss why calcium needs change with age, why older adults may be at higher risk for low calcium intake, and how calcium works together with vitamin D to support healthy aging. In this episode, you'll learn: Why calcium is important for older adults How aging impacts bone health and calcium needs Calcium recommendations for seniors Best food sources of calcium, including non-dairy options How vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium The difference between calcium carbonate and calcium citrate supplements Why supplements should always be individualized Tips for meeting calcium needs if you are lactose intolerant or avoid dairy This episode also includes practical nutrition tips for older adults who struggle with dairy intake or want to increase calcium through food first. Learn more at: The Geriatric Dietitian Grab your free healthy aging resource here: Free Healthy Aging Resource If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit from learning more about calcium and healthy aging.