We will develop and pilot test an innovative approach to enhancing the dietary knowledge of people over 60, particularly those who either have or are at risk for Type II diabetes, the type which affects people who are over 40 and overweight and accounts for 90% of the 14,000,000 Americans who have diabetes. This project will develop a unique educational tool, based on cognitive and neuropsychological research on memory: a deck of playing cards that can be used to convey basic information about how foods are grouped and what are equivalent units within groups. Although information is drawn from the Diabetic Exchange Lists, it may have application to whatever meal planning is adopted by the individual on the advice of the nutrition counselor. Phase I will pilot test the development and acceptability of the cards at senior centers. Phase II will field test the efficacy of this card system as an adjunct to nutrition education.National Institute on Aging (NIA)
