TY - JOUR AU - Blackburn, Mary L. AU - Gillogy, Barbara AU - Hauselt, Peggy TI - Research is needed to assess the unique nutrition and wellness needs of aging Californians JF - California Agriculture JO - Calif Agr Y1 - 2010/10/01 VL - 64 IS - 4 SP - 167 EP - 173 PB - University of California Agriculture and Nature Resources SN - 0008-0845 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.3733/ca.v064n04p167 L3 - 10.3733/ca.v064n04p167 AB - Inadequate diet and nutrition can contribute to or exacerbate chronic and acute diseases, hasten the development of degenerative diseases associated with aging, and delay recovery from illness. No single segment of society can benefit more from improved diet and nutrition, and regular exercise, than the elderly. While links between diet, exercise and chronic-disease risks are well documented, more research is needed on how best to use quality-of-life approaches and perceived benefits as motivators for behavior change among the elderly. This report explores how physiological components affect the nutrition and wellness of seniors, puts into context the status of related research, and helps establish a framework to reassess UC Cooperative Extension priorities for applied research, education and outreach to California's elderly population.