Dietitians and Nutritionists: Share Your Passion for Nutrition With Older Adults

To age gracefully, we’ll all need to live smarter and eat healthier. That’s where dietitians and nutritionists specializing in geriatrics come in. These experts apply their knowledge of food and nutrition to help older adults thrive, promoting healthy choices when it matters most.

Proper nutrition is important for everyone, but as we age, our bodies and nutritional needs change. Dietitians and nutritionists specializing in geriatrics guide older adults in making informed dietary choices, including which foods to eat and which to avoid, so they can focus on what they love most in life.

As a dietitian or nutritionist specializing in geriatrics, your responsibilities might include:

• Assessing the nutritional needs of older adults.
• Creating personalized meal plans.
• Monitoring clients’ weight, nutrient intake and progress.
• Educating clients, families and caregivers about proper nutrition.
• Collaborating with a healthcare team to provide holistic care.

Why Specialize in Aging Nutrition?

Channeling their passion for nutrition to help others, dietitians and nutritionists already have a pretty sweet gig. But by specializing in geriatric nutrition, dietitians can pursue new, exciting career options in a growing field.

By 2054, the number of U.S. adults aged 65 and older will rise from 62 million to 84 million. That’s a lot of people who will rely on experts like you to help them live their lives to the fullest. Specializing in geriatric nutrition will prepare you for this demographic shift, helping ensure you perform meaningful work for years to come.

Advance Your Expertise With a Graduate Education

To work as a dietitian or nutritionist, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and possibly state licensure. But if you want to focus on geriatric nutrition and expand your career options, you’ll need additional training. A graduate education in aging will deepen your understanding of the unique needs of older adults, enabling you to tailor dietary plans that address complex age-related issues like bone health, muscle loss and cardiovascular disease.

The University of Florida offers three online graduate programs designed for professionals like you:

• Master’s Degree in Innovative Aging Studies
• Master’s Degree in Medical Physiology and Aging
• Graduate Certificate in Aging and Geriatric Practice

Which Online Program Is Right for You?

If you’re looking for a comprehensive education, we recommend our online master’s degree in medical physiology and aging. It’s ideal for dietitians and nutritionists who want to explore how the human body works and how these processes change with age.

If you’re looking for a faster way to accelerate your career, our online Graduate Certificate in Aging and Geriatric Practice can be completed in as little as one year. This online program will give you a deeper understanding of aging without disrupting your career or personal commitments.

Need a few more reasons to apply? Our online programs:

• Are affordably priced.
• Require no GRE or clinical experience.
• Fit around your schedule. 

Take the Next Step on Your Career Path

Apply to UF today and start pursuing one of our online graduate programs in Innovative Aging Studies. With the right education, you’ll be ready to transform your passion for nutrition into a career that changes lives.

Got Questions? We’re Here to Help.

Our student outreach and engagement specialists are here to help you decide if our online programs are right for you. Schedule a virtual meeting or email us your questions, and we’ll be in touch soon!