The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Aging and Nutrition (Cert Aging and Nutrition) is a specialised qualification designed for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in nutrition for older adults. This course provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to support healthy ageing, optimise dietary intake, and improve overall wellbeing in elderly populations. It is ideal for healthcare practitioners, nutritionists, dietitians, care home staff, and other professionals working in geriatric care or community health settings.
By completing this qualification, learners will expand their professional knowledge, improve their practical competencies, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD), ultimately enhancing career prospects in the health and social care sectors. The course covers essential topics such as nutritional requirements in later life, diet-related health conditions, strategies for managing malnutrition, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices among older adults.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Aging and Nutrition are required to uphold the highest standards of training. This includes employing competent and qualified staff, providing comprehensive learning resources, and ensuring access to all materials necessary for effective learning. By maintaining these standards, centres guarantee that learners receive a high-quality educational experience that maximises success and professional growth.
This qualification offers an excellent opportunity for professionals dedicated to improving the nutritional care and wellbeing of older adults. Learners will gain the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills needed to make a meaningful impact on healthy ageing and nutrition practices.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Aging and Nutrition (Cert Aging and Nutrition)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2201029
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Pediatric Nutrition and Feeding (Cert Pediatric Nutrition), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201029-1 |
Principles of Nutrition for Older Adults |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201029-2 |
Age-Related Nutritional Requirements |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201029-3 |
Assessment of Nutritional Status in Older Adults |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201029-4 |
Managing Nutrition-Related Health Conditions |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201029-5 |
Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201029-6 |
Evidence-Based Practice and Professional Development |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Principles of Nutrition for Older Adults
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the role of nutrition in supporting healthy ageing and wellbeing
- Identify essential nutrients required for older adults and their functions
- Analyse the impact of undernutrition, overnutrition, and nutrient deficiencies on elderly health
- Discuss the relationship between diet, ageing, and long-term health outcomes
Unit 2: Age-Related Nutritional Requirements
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Describe the physiological changes associated with ageing that affect nutritional needs
- Explain age-specific dietary requirements for macro- and micronutrients
- Evaluate dietary strategies to meet the nutritional needs of older adults
- Identify common challenges in achieving optimal nutrition in later life
Unit 3: Assessment of Nutritional Status in Older Adults
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Apply methods to assess the nutritional status of older adults, including anthropometric and dietary assessments
- Interpret body mass index (BMI), weight changes, and other nutritional indicators
- Recognise signs of malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies in elderly populations
- Recommend evidence-based interventions to improve nutritional status
Unit 4: Managing Nutrition-Related Health Conditions
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Identify common diet-related health conditions affecting older adults, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis
- Develop dietary interventions to manage or prevent these conditions
- Analyse the impact of medications and medical treatments on nutrition
- Apply best practices for promoting health through dietary management
Unit 5: Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the role of caregivers in supporting healthy eating and hydration for older adults
- Advise families and care staff on practical strategies for meal planning and dietary adherence
- Communicate nutritional guidance effectively to older adults and their support network
- Promote positive behavioural and lifestyle changes to enhance wellbeing
Unit 6: Evidence-Based Practice and Professional Development
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Apply evidence-based research to inform nutritional care for older adults
- Reflect on professional responsibilities, ethical considerations, and best practices in ageing and nutrition
- Plan for ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain professional competence
- Critically evaluate current trends, guidelines, and innovations in nutrition for older adults
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Aging and Nutrition is designed for learners who want to enhance their expertise in nutrition for older adults. This course is particularly suitable for:
- Healthcare professionals working with older adults, including nurses, dietitians, and nutritionists
- Care home staff and elderly care practitioners seeking to improve nutritional care
- Professionals supporting older adults with chronic health conditions, dietary restrictions, or malnutrition
- Individuals involved in community health or health promotion initiatives for older populations
- Learners aiming to advance their career prospects in health, social care, or nutrition sectors
- Professionals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and evidence-based practice
- Those seeking practical skills to provide guidance and support to older adults and their caregivers
This course equips learners with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence needed to make a positive impact on the nutritional wellbeing and overall health of older adults.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Aging and Nutrition must maintain high standards to ensure learners receive quality training and achieve successful outcomes. Key requirements include:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ instructors with relevant qualifications and professional experience in nutrition, healthcare, or elderly care, capable of delivering evidence-based teaching.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Centres should provide learners with access to textbooks, digital materials, assessment tools, and practical resources to support effective learning.
- Safe and Suitable Training Environment: Training facilities must comply with health and safety standards and provide appropriate spaces for both theoretical instruction and practical activities.
- Assessment and Feedback Systems: Centres must implement robust procedures for monitoring learner progress, conducting assessments, and providing constructive feedback.
- Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Staff should engage in ongoing CPD to maintain current knowledge and deliver high-quality training.
- Supportive Learner Experience: Centres should provide mentoring, guidance, and pastoral support to help learners achieve their full potential.
- Compliance with LICQual Standards: Centres must adhere to LICQual’s quality assurance, governance, and operational requirements to ensure excellence in course delivery.
By meeting these requirements, centres ensure learners gain comprehensive knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence in aging and nutrition, preparing them for successful careers and improved outcomes for older adults.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
