The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Gerontological Nutrition (Cert Gerontological Nutrition) is a specialised qualification designed for learners who wish to deepen their knowledge and expertise in nutrition for the ageing population. This course is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their career prospects, broaden their understanding of age-related nutritional needs, and maintain high standards in Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners will explore the physiological changes associated with ageing and their impact on nutritional requirements, as well as strategies to support healthy ageing and prevent diet-related conditions. The programme equips learners with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to assess, plan, and implement effective nutrition interventions for older adults in clinical, community, and wellness settings.
Centres delivering this qualification are required to uphold the highest standards of training, ensuring learners are supported by competent and qualified staff. Additionally, centres must provide all necessary learning materials, digital resources, and practical tools to enable learners to fully engage with the course content and achieve successful outcomes.
By completing the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Gerontological Nutrition, learners will gain the knowledge and professional skills required to contribute effectively to the health and wellbeing of older adults. This qualification provides a strong foundation for those committed to advancing their careers in nutrition, healthcare, dietetics, and elderly care, allowing them to apply evidence-based nutritional strategies in professional practice with confidence.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Gerontological Nutrition (Cert Gerontological Nutrition)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2201008
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Clinical Nutrigenomics (Cert Nutrigenomics) , applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201008-1 |
Introduction to Gerontological Nutrition |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201008-2 |
Age-Related Nutritional Needs |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201008-3 |
Common Health Conditions in Older Adults |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201008-4 |
Nutritional Assessment and Planning |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201008-5 |
Food Safety, Hygiene, and Special Diets |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201008-6 |
Research, Communication, and Professional Practice |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Introduction to Gerontological Nutrition
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the physiological changes associated with ageing and their impact on nutritional requirements.
- Describe key concepts in gerontological nutrition and healthy ageing.
- Analyse the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and age-related health outcomes.
- Apply foundational knowledge to support evidence-based practice in nutrition for older adults.
Unit 2: Age-Related Nutritional Needs
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify macro- and micronutrient requirements specific to older adults.
- Assess hydration needs and strategies for preventing dehydration in elderly populations.
- Evaluate diet modifications to prevent malnutrition and promote healthy ageing.
- Recommend dietary interventions to support optimal health in older adults.
Unit 3: Common Health Conditions in Older Adults
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the nutritional implications of age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.
- Analyse dietary strategies for managing chronic illnesses in older adults.
- Apply evidence-based nutrition principles to support the prevention and management of common health conditions.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional interventions in improving health outcomes.
Unit 4: Nutritional Assessment and Planning
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Conduct dietary assessments to identify nutritional deficiencies and risks.
- Develop personalised meal plans tailored to the needs of older adults.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of dietary interventions.
- Demonstrate professional judgement in planning nutrition strategies for elderly clients.
Unit 5: Food Safety, Hygiene, and Special Diets
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Apply food safety and hygiene practices in preparing meals for older adults.
- Adapt diets to accommodate allergies, intolerances, and medical conditions.
- Evaluate risks associated with unsafe food handling and poor hygiene.
- Ensure compliance with relevant health, safety, and dietary regulations in professional practice.
Unit 6: Research, Communication, and Professional Practice
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Conduct research using reliable sources and appropriate methods in gerontological nutrition.
- Analyse and interpret nutritional data to inform practice decisions.
- Communicate nutritional information effectively through reports, presentations, and consultations.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and professional judgement in applying research findings to practice.
This qualification is designed for learners seeking to specialise in nutrition for the ageing population. It is ideal for:
- Aspiring Nutrition and Dietetics Professionals – Individuals aiming to develop expertise in gerontological nutrition and elderly care.
- Healthcare Practitioners – Nurses, care workers, and allied health professionals looking to enhance their knowledge of age-related nutritional needs.
- Wellness and Fitness Specialists – Personal trainers, health coaches, and wellness consultants seeking to support older clients with tailored nutrition strategies.
- Elderly Care Professionals – Staff working in care homes, assisted living, or community services who need to understand dietary requirements for older adults.
- Public Health and Community Nutrition Workers – Professionals involved in promoting healthy ageing and nutrition initiatives within communities.
- Career Changers – Individuals wishing to enter the field of gerontological nutrition and gain a recognised Level 3 qualification.
- CPD-Focused Learners – Professionals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and staying up-to-date with developments in elderly nutrition.
By completing this course, learners will gain the scientific knowledge, practical skills, and professional credibility to apply evidence-based nutritional strategies in clinical, wellness, and community settings for older adults.
To deliver the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Gerontological Nutrition, centres must meet the following standards to ensure high-quality training and learner success:
- Qualified and Competent Staff – Centres must employ tutors and assessors with recognised qualifications and relevant professional experience in nutrition, gerontology, or healthcare to provide expert guidance to learners.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources – Centres should provide learners with access to up-to-date textbooks, scientific journals, digital resources, and practical tools necessary for completing all units of the course.
- Practical Training Facilities – Centres must have access to suitable facilities, including kitchens, laboratories, or demonstration areas, to support practical learning and applied nutrition exercises.
- Assessment and Feedback Systems – Centres must implement robust assessment procedures, including formative and summative evaluations, and provide timely, constructive feedback to support learner progress.
- Health and Safety Compliance – Centres must maintain high standards of health and safety in all learning environments, ensuring that learners can engage safely in practical activities.
- Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – Centres should encourage both staff and learners to engage in CPD activities to remain current with developments in gerontological nutrition and elderly care.
- Quality Assurance Processes – Centres must have effective monitoring and evaluation systems in place to ensure consistent course delivery, adherence to LICQual standards, and continuous improvement of teaching and learning.
By meeting these requirements, centres create a professional, supportive, and resource-rich learning environment that enables learners to successfully achieve the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Gerontological Nutrition, enhancing their skills, knowledge, and career prospects in elderly nutrition and healthcare.
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.
