Geriatric Registered Dietitian in Long Island, New York State Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist for Senior Wellness

The importance of geriatric nutrition has become increasingly evident as older adults face unique challenges related to their nutritional needs, health conditions, and lifestyle changes. The primary goal of geriatric nutrition is to support health, independence, and quality of life by preventing chronic diseases, maintaining cognitive function, and promoting overall well-being. Adapting to life’s changes includes making thoughtful adjustments to diet and nutrition.

What is geriatric nutrition?

Geriatric nutrition is a specialized branch of nutrition that focuses on meeting the evolving dietary needs of older adults to optimize their health, prevent illness, and enhance overall well-being.  It addresses the changes in body composition, metabolism, nutrient requirements, and dietary challenges associated with aging, applying nutrition principles to delay the effects of aging and disease. 

The cornerstone of geriatric nutrition is a well-balanced diet.

Factors influencing geriatric nutrition

As people age, absorption, utilization, and excretion of macro and micro-nutrients change, as do their needs to attain and maintain an optimal weight. Various physiological, psychological, and sociological factors an also impact an individual’s nutritional status and dietary requirements. Nutrition therapy is often needed to sustain or improve health and well-being.

Factors to consider include:

  • Chronic Disease Management: diabetes, heart disease, cardiovascular disease and hypertension
  • Weight Changes: implementing dietary and behavioral strategies to attain and maintain an optimal weight
  • Hydration: fluid adequacy
  • Digestive Changes: reduced digestion, reduced absorption, constipation
  • Musculoskeletal Changes: the most common is osteoporosis
  • Malnutrition: inadequate or excessive nutrition

What does a geriatric dietitian do?

Geriatric nutrition focuses on meeting the unique dietary needs of older adults, aiming to promote optimal health, independence, and quality of life during the golden years. Proper nutrition is crucial in preventing chronic diseases, maintaining cognitive function, and sustaining overall well-being.

Nutrition for promoting optimal geriatric nutrition include:

  • Balanced diet
  • Appropriate caloric intake
  • Protein adequacy
  • Hydration awareness
  • Fiber rich foods
  • Micronutrient intake
  • Regular physical activity

What is the difference between a dietitian and nutritionist?

While the terms “dietitian” and “nutritionist” are often used interchangeably, there are important distinctions between them. Dietitians, like Nancy, are highly regulated professionals who must complete rigorous education and certification requirements. They are the only qualified experts to provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT). Dietitians possess the critical skills to analyze medical records, lab results, and dietary assessments, applying evidence-based practices to develop effective nutrition strategies. Nutritionists, on the other hand, may not require any formal education or certification.

Conclusion

The importance of geriatric nutrition is growing as the population ages. The goal is to meet the specific dietary needs of older adults, promoting health, independence, and quality of life. More specifically, proper nutrition prevents or delays the onset of chronic diseases and maintains cognitive function and overall well-being. Older individuals can enjoy improved mental sharpness, longevity, vitality, and well-being by emphasizing a balanced diet, considering vital nutritional factors, and fostering healthy eating habits.

Schedule a Consultation Today!

As a New York State Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Nancy uses nutrition therapy to develop a healthful and enjoyable plan to meet each patient’s needs to promote quality of life, health, independent living, and well-being. 

Nancy has a private practice, serving clients in Long Island, Queens and Greater New York. Online nutrition consultations are available for optimal aging nutrition practices.

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Nancy Mazarin - Certified Nutritionist & Registered Dietitian MS, RDN, CDN, CNS
Nancy Mazarin - Certified Nutritionist & Registered Dietitian MS, RDN, CDN, CNS
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Amy PedolskyAmy Pedolsky
17:02 26 Dec 22
Over the past six months that I have been seeing Nacny, she has been very helpful in hepling me lose 31 pounds. She understands very aspect of what I needed and how to accommidate them properly. With Nancy's help I have been able to change my lifestyle, eat healthier and change and treat my medical conditions very differently and for the best. I would highly reccommanded Nancy to anyone that has tried diets before and has not succeded and who has a lot of different medical conditions that make it difficult to know what to eat and what not to eat.
Michael MainoMichael Maino
21:11 17 Dec 22
I was hesitant at first to start seeing a nutritionist. I was very comfortable with my poor eating habits despite being upset about my weight; however I knew I needed to make a change.Nancy was very understanding from the start. Before meeting with Nancy, I had been in a constant cycle of over-restricting myself to lose weight rapidly, followed by binge eating and gaining it all back plus some more.Over the past year and a half, Nancy has helped me discover normal eating. She helped me understand my hunger and my fullness in addition to helping me choose better food options.Nancy is very dedicated to working with you and helping you achieve your goals. She doesn’t just help you reach your goals — she helps you change your perspective of food and eating for the better. What you learn with Nancy is not temporary — you will carry it with you and practice it throughout your life.I have lost almost 70 pounds since first meeting with Nancy and continuing on my journey. I highly recommend working with her.Nancy, thank you for all of your help!
Carol VogtCarol Vogt
21:38 12 Dec 22
Although I was unlucky when I developed some health issues, I was very lucky to find Nancy Mazarin, a skilled, intelligent, caring nutritionist. I saw lots of doctors but she was the one who came up with the diagnosis that finally led to my improved health. She was always available when I had questions and was even willing to meet with me one weekend when I was struggling.
Bonnie EislerBonnie Eisler
00:22 03 Dec 22
Nancy has been wonderful to work with. She is extremely knowledgeable about nutrition, and very intuitive in identifying and removing roadblocks her clients may be experiencing on their way to achieving their goals. Nancy is extremely organized and promptly keeps her appointments. I highly recommend her!
richard markxrichard markx
02:55 11 Oct 22
Absolutely knowledgeable compassionate and very personable!Anyone wishing to improve their health through nutrition and education will find Nancy Mazarin incredibly helpful Thank you for all your help Nancy!
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