Successful Aging, Diet and Exercise

Workshop Presentation
Hope Barkoukis, PhD, RDN, LD, FAND  

The traditional trajectory of senescence includes many physiologic changes, including a progressive unintended loss of muscle, with concurrent increases in body fat. This unintended loss of muscle is referred to as "sarcopenia". Sarcopenia results in a cascade of outcomes including decreased physical activity and independent activities of daily living, (IADL), with an increased risk of malnutrition, frailty and dependence. Maintaining muscle mass and blunting sarcopenia is therefore critical to maintaining IADL and successful aging. The purpose of this workshop is to utilize the first portion of the time to identify/review the currently accepted, evidence-based, nutrition and exercise recommendations to maintain optimal muscle mass as one ages. Additionally, areas of controversy in nutrition and exercise recommendations due to diverse populations is also highlighted. In the second half of the workshop, participants will engage in a series of 'hands-on' interactions to utilize the original information provided to plan intervention strategies regarding practical nutrition and meal for optimal maintenance of muscle mass in older adults. The audience's learning outcomes from this workshop will be to utilize updated, validated information regarding current nutrition and exercise guidance to blunt sarcopenia and advance successful aging, in a format allowing practical application and future strategies.