HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Bidlack, W. R. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Bidlack, W. R.

Geriatric Nutrition: The Health Professional’s Handbook,

2nd ed, Ronni Chernoff. Gaithersburg, MD: ASPEN Publishers, Inc., 1999, $65.00

Dean, College of Agriculture
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

As the US population continues to age and live longer, it becomes readily apparent that health professionals need to have a clearer understanding of the health and nutritional problems of the geriatric population. This book provides insight into the assessment, diagnosis, intervention and prevention of health problems associated with the aging process.

The author’s brief review of US demographics quickly affirms the need to understand the rapidly growing geriatric population. Well-known basic nutrition principles can be applied easily to the elderly. Chapters on macronutrients, vitamins, minerals and trace elements discuss important considerations on specific nutrient needs due to poor diet, illness or drug therapy. Chapters on degenerative health problems present nutritional intervention using specific diets. Chapters review oral health and alterations in smell, taste and somatosensation as they affect food selection and cover physiologic changes as they impact on health. There is focus on specific changes in gastrointestinal function, the cardiovascular system, the renal system, skeletal aging and endocrine function as they impact on nutritional status, health and longevity.

The discussions of age-related decline in homeostasis point to areas in need of intervention. Once nutritional assessment is completed, dietary change can be implemented via preventive as well as treatment modalities. Degenerative processes require therapeutic intervention to offset pain and physiologic dysfunction. Drug therapy poses concerns about nutrient interactions. Care must be exercised to provide therapeutic efficacy at the lowest drug level. Exercise is highly recommended to maintain muscle function, cardiovascular health and general well being.

Two useful chapters close the book: One provides a discussion of the nutritional services available to support and enhance healthcare for the elderly. The last is an excellent summary of intervention strategies to promote health and disease prevention, which can lead to a higher quality of life.

The book includes essential material for understanding the health problems of our expanding elderly population. As a whole, it provides a thorough summary of most topics relative to disease prevention, health policy, assessment and areas of intervention.

If he or she does not have the first edition, this volume can prove useful for a health professional working in geriatric care. It can serve as a starting point and a basic reference for the educator teaching a broad-spectrum course on geriatrics. A major criticism is prompted by the fact that the majority of chapters have been changed only modestly from the first edition. Not many of the book’s authors added newer references or updated tables and figures.

Received December 1, 1999.

This Article Full Text (PDF) Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Bidlack, W. R. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Bidlack, W. R.