Conclusions

So remember -- don't cross contaminate! Clean your cutting board and kill that salmonella! For nutritional guidelines, or information on senior centers and meal programs delivered in your area, contact your local Department of Aging.

Expert: Ann DiSarro

Ann DiSarro joined the Senior Services of Albany in 1980 as Program Director, and then in 1987 became Executive Director. Prior to her involvement with SSA, Ann worked for the city of Schenectady managing a senior employment program, and was a stay at home mom for 11 years. Since she began working in Albany, Ann has been President of the Visiting Nurses of Albany and a board member with the South Mall Towers Senior Housing Association. She is currently the President of the Patient Services Board of Northeast Health, serving Capital District hospitals.

Some advice from Ann concerning the importance of proper senior nutrition:

• Nutrition is very closely related to our ability to manage chronic conditions. Diabetes can often be controlled by diet changes in the early stages, calcium and a healthy diet can help prevent or treat osteoporosis, heart disease is affected by fat and salt intake, and arthritis is affected by diet. Many other diseases or chronic conditions are also greatly effected by a person's diet. We can have an impact on our health and quality of life by paying attention to what we eat.
• Being single later in life can also effect how well one eats. Eating alone can be depressing and people get tired of cooking for themselves and take short cuts that may not provide the best nutrition.
• Hospitalizations and nursing home placements are often made because of nutrition issues, either not enough food or food that makes chronic conditions worse.
• Suggestions: Consult a dietician to find out what you ought to be eating, sometimes it is covered by insurance. Eat with others as often as possible. Look to federally funded programs such as home delivered meals or lunch programs in senior centers for nutritious meals. Combine some physical activity with good nutrition to remain a "Healthy You".

Expert: Diane Wuestman

Diane Wuestman is the Director of Nutrition Services for the New York City Department for the Aging. She is responsible for the administration of three hundred and thirty six Senior Nutrition Programs and a staff of thirty professionals who provide technical assistance and nutrition education to these sites.

Diane has been a Registered Dietitian since 1983, specializing in diagnosis and medical modality in the formulation of Enteral and Parenteral nutrition support, specifically in the therapeutic management of the critical care patient. She has a M.B.A. in Hospital Administration from Adelphi University, and completed her undergraduate work at CUNY in Queens.

Over the past 20 years Diane has worked as both a Clinical and Administrative Nutritionists for companies such as Bateman, Marriott and Aramark. She has been Director for Nutrition Services for New York Hospital, Brooklyn, as well as a private consultant for the New York City Board of Education.