Course Description
As the population in the United States ages, there are many opportunities to learn how to work with seniors in multiple settings in a way that supports quality care and quality of life. This certificate is designed for individuals who are working in the health care field, those who are interested in the topic, those who are working with the aging population, or anyone who wishes to prepare for careers in aging services or gerontology. Topics include nutrition and healthy aging, the healthy aging brain, physical activity and healthy aging, the role of intimacy and sexuality on healthy aging, and keys to longevity in the centenarian population.
Courses Included
Nutrition and Healthy Aging
Increasing scientific, clinical, and social interest helps us understand the relationship between nutrition and aging. Eating well is essential in all stages of life but is especially important for maintaining good health and slowing the aging process in older adults. Nutrition influences the risk of contracting acute and chronic diseases and affects the physiological and biological processes of aging. Making healthy food choices also has social impacts, since healthy adults are more productive members of society and utilize fewer resources on multiple levels than unhealthy adults.
The Healthy Aging Brain
The brain is the most complex part of the human body. People once believed that progressive mental decline was inevitable, but now we know that the brain’s ability to age well varies from person to person and is affected by genetic predisposition, genes, life experiences, lifestyle, exposure to toxins and chemicals, accidents, trauma, and disease. Cognitive abilities do not automatically decline with age. The majority of older adults are happy. They live an active, optimistic life with many friends and they engage in leisure-time activities that increase not only their quality of life but also their longevity and the health of their brains.
Physical Activity and Healthy Aging
Physical activity is essential for healthy aging and well-being. Throughout life, engaging in enjoyable movement, such as walking, dancing, golfing, swimming, and cycling can increase the chances for health and vitality in later years.
Centenarians: Keys to Longevity
Living to be 100 years old was once considered a rare occurrence, but with advancements in medicine and lifestyle changes, living to be 100 is not so improbable today. As a group, there are more centenarians worldwide than ever before, with the largest concentration found in America. Five places have been identified worldwide where people live the longest, healthiest lives. These “Blue Zones™” where people reach 100 years of age at significantly higher rates include the Barbagia region of Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan, the Adventist community of Loma Linda in California, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, and the island of Ikaria in Greece. The people living in these places have achieved longevity through different paths and different cultures.
Intimacy, Sexuality, and Healthy Aging
Loving and being loved are essential to maintaining a positive, healthy attitude. Quality of life is often related to affection and tenderness shared with loved ones. With a healthy self-esteem and a willingness to communicate with a partner, older adults can enjoy intimate relationships throughout their lives.
Purpose / Goal
The outcome of this certificate is for the learner to describe specific aspects of aging, including the impact of nutrition and physical activity on the aging process, physiologic changes in the healthy aging brain, the role of intimacy and sexuality on healthy aging, and keys to longevity in the centenarian population.
Certificate Objectives
Upon completion you will be able to do the following:
- Describe the relationship between nutrition and healthy aging.
- Discuss the brain’s ability to remain healthy by neuroplasticity, neurogenesis and a healthy lifestyle.
- Identify the physical and psychological benefits of physical activity in healthy aging.
- Examine the keys to longevity and the lessons learned from centenarians.
- Describe the benefits of intimacy, sexuality, and the joy of healthy relationships for older adults.
Course Content
Target Audience
Nurses, health care professionals, and interested individuals.
Criteria for Successful Completion
Complete the course post exam (CE Test) with a score of 80% or greater. Complete all fields of the course Evaluation Form.
Certificate of Completion is provided for individual courses once the course post exam is passed per criteria above.
Certificate of Completion is provided for certificate programs once all of the courses within the certificate program have been successfully completed per criteria above.
Practice Level (For Occupational Therapy Only): Introductory
Content Focus (For Occupational Therapy Only): Foundational Knowledge
Commercial Support
No commercial support has been received for this activity.
- Advance Practice
- Brain Health
- Cardiology
- Case Management
- Community Health
- Complementary and Alternative Health
- Education
- Gerontology
- Healing Environments
- Holistic Health
- Home Health
- Integrative Health
- Med/Surg
- Mental Health
- Nutrition
- OB/GYN
- Occupational Therapy
- Pain Management
- Psychiatric Health
- Social Work
- Wellness
- Women's Health
- Acupuncture
- Dietetics/Nutrition
- Fitness
- Health Care Administration
- Health Education
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- Massage Therapy
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Other
- Physical Therapy
- Respiratory Therapy
- Social Work
American Board of Managed Care Nursing - The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).
ANCC - American Nurses Credentialing Center - ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
ASWB - Association of Social Work Boards - This course is approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to be offered by ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC as an individual course. Individual courses, not providers, are approved at the course level. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. ACE course approval period: 04/22/2024-04/22/2027. Social workers completing this course receive the specified distance learning continuing education credits.
California Board of Behavioral Sciences - California Board of Behavioral Sciences Provider Number PCE 1564. Course meets the qualifications for the stated hours of continuing education credit for MFTs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
California Board of Registered Nurses - Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider # CEP 14693 for the number of hours stated.
California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section - The California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section accepts continuing education offered by CA-BRN approved providers.
District of Columbia Board of Nursing - ALLEGRA Learning Solutions (CE Provider # 50-12076) submits all continuing education records to CE BROKER after successful completion.
Florida Board of Massage Therapy - ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Florida Board of Nursing - ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Board of nursing (CE Provider # 50-12076).
Courses are automatically submitted to CE Broker.
Florida Board of Nursing—Certified Nursing Assistants - ALLEGRA Learning Solutions (CE Broker Provider # 50-12076) submits all continuing education records to CE Broker after successful completion.
Florida Board of Respiratory Care - ALLEGRA Learning Solutions (CE Broker Provider # 50-12076) submits all continuing education records to CE Broker after successful completion.
Florida Council of Dietetics and Nutrition - ALLEGRA Learning Solutions (CE Broker Provider # 50-12076) submits all continuing education records to CE Broker after successful completion.
Florida Council of Licensed Midwifery - ALLEGRA Learning Solutions (CE Broker Provider # 50-12076) submits all continuing education records to CE Broker after successful completion.
NAADAC - The National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors - ALLEGRA Learning is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #813).
NCBTMB -National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork - ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider. Provider Number 451562-11.
This course fulfills nursing continuing education requirements in the following state(s):
- All States
- Texas
Jurisdictional Requirements
Continuing education (CE) licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction, are not well defined, and may change. These CE requirements may vary in terms of the number of hours required to the types of courses that must be taken. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions recommends you contact your licensing board or accrediting organization for the latest continuing education requirements of your state or territory. Compliance with CE requirements is the responsibility of the individual health care provider. Health care providers must understand the CE requirements in their jurisdictions, and be sure they are up-to-date on any rule changes that affect their license. For further information, please see our Accreditation information page.
Accommodations for Disabilities
Every effort will be made to accommodate your special needs. To request accommodations, please contact ALLEGRA Learning Solutions at allegra@allegralearning.com
Conflicts of Interest and Relevant Financial Relationships
No one in a position to control content has conflicts of interests or relevant financial relationships to declare for this activity.
Non-endorsement of Products
Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA approval or endorsement of any commercial product.
Off-label Use of Products
None of the authors intend to discuss off-label uses of drugs, mechanical devices, biologics, or diagnostics not approved by the FDA for use in the United States.
Instructors
Cyndie Koopsen, RN, BSN, MBA, HNB-BC, RN-BC, HWNC-BC
Caroline Young, MPH
Expiration Date
April 30, 2028
Best Practices
ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is committed to the development of education programs with the highest quality content. We have a financial interest in the courses we provide. We adhere to strict quality processes in our course creation and delivery. Each course is rigorously researched, peer-reviewed by an external entity, unbiased, and developed to provide current, professionally-relevant, evidence-based materials. We comply with all applicable local, regional, state, and/or national laws and regulations. Integrity, maintaining and exceeding accreditation standards, and the use of ethical, sound business principles are also basic tenets of our philosophy. Images are for illustrative purposes only. Persons depicted are models. The stock photography company retains all model releases.
