Title:
Diet and Oral Health Coaching Methods and Models for the Independent Elderly
Languages of Item:
English
Abstract:
Health-related behavior based on diet is an important determinant of oral health in
independent elderly. Aging impairs senses, mastication, oral status, and function, causing nutritional
needs and diet insuciencies that contribute to a vicious circle of impairment. But the present needs
of independent older adults suggest that health research and oral health care should shift from
disease management and therapy to integral customized and personal treatment plans, including
lifestyle, psychological, nutritional, and oral health coaching approaches. In this paper health
coaching approaches in medical and dental settings are valued as to their e ectiveness for older
adults. Furthermore, coaching approaches for seniors are discussed and coaching models for better
senior patient-dentist cooperation on the diet issue are suggested. Diet and oral health coaching is
proven to be a modern senior patient-centered approach that needs to be incorporated at all relevant
settings. It should aim to empower older adults in co-management of their oral diseases or bad diet
habits a ecting their oral health. This can be carried out through an incorporated educational plan
for dentists either at the postgraduate or professional level since advantages seem to enhance the
quality of life of the independent elderly.
Authors:
Maria Antoniadou 1 and Theodoros Varzakas 2,
1 Dental School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15127 Athens, Greece;
mantonia@dent.uoa.gr
2 Department Food Science and Technology, University of the Peloponnese, 24100 Kalamata, Greece
Journal:
Applied Sciences
Keywords:
diet; nutrition; oral health coaching; older adults; senior coaching; motivational interviewing; cognitive behavioral coaching techniques; independent elderly
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
