Symposium: Addressing nutrition-related health disparities

Did you know that the capital city of one of the richest countries in the world has the highest rates of seniors living in poverty? Those who attended the "Addressing Nutrition-Related Health Disparities” symposium at Howard University learned this and other facts that might have broadened their perspectives on issues such as childhood obesity and aging.

Dr. Nara, a public health nutritionist and nutrition policy director at Terrific, Inc., presented on health disparities in the aging population. According to Dr. Nara, Washington, DC has the highest rates of seniors living in poverty. Most adults over 65 take at least 4 prescription drugs, which can lead to higher risks of drug-nutrient interactions. Most older adults lose teeth which can affect the types of foods they can consume. Seniors also experience sensory changes over time. Senses such as smell and taste directly impact nutrition. If one cannot taste flavor, one is more likely to use excess salt to season one’s food. If one cannot smell, one is more likely to consume spoiled products such as expired milk.

Terrific Inc., a member of the DC Office on Aging’s Senior Service Network, implemented a “seniors living in place” initiative. This initiative houses seniors and younger adults in the same apartment building. The younger adults frequently check on the seniors and the seniors have reported feeling less lonely. According to Dr. Nara, feeling lonely has the same physiological effect as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Dr. Nara’s perspective on these issues was eye-opening.

Other notable speakers include Dr. Toombs, Director for the Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS), USDA and Dr. Hancock, Founder and Owner, Delta Health Wellness, Medical Director of CRC Wellness Center. Dr. Toombs highlighted black women who have high insulin resistance and who are often undiagnosed for type 2 diabetes. Dr. Hancock emphasized meeting patients where they are and being aware of the socioeconomic factors that affect healthy eating. She also urged the audience to not give up on the fight against childhood obesity! Additionally, senior dietetic students in the Coordinated Program presented their nutrition-related health disparities research projects on bariatric surgery and end-stage renal disease.

Although the symposium was a success, most attendees currently study nutritional sciences and/or work in the nutrition field. In the future, I hope that there will be more attendance from students and colleagues in different fields because this information broadened my perspective on issues such as childhood obesity and aging.