The Geriatric Dietitian

Katie Dodd, MS, RDN, CSG, LD, FAND
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast is your go-to geriatric nutrition podcast for practical, evidence-based guidance to support healthy aging. Hosted by Registered Dietitian and gerontological nutrition specialist Katie Dodd, this podcast helps older adults, caregivers, and healthcare professionals better understand nutrition in aging without the confusion or overwhelm. Each episode delivers simple, real-life strategies to support strength, independence, and quality of life. If you're looking for straightforward nutrition guidance that makes sense for aging, you're in the right place.

  1. 1d ago

    TGD 015: Missing Teeth, Dentures, and Chewing Difficulty in Older Adults

    Missing teeth and difficulty chewing are common in older adults, but tooth loss is not a normal part of healthy aging. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, Katie Dodd, MS, RDN, CSG, LD, FAND discusses how missing teeth, dentures, and chewing difficulties can impact nutrition, food choices, socialization, and quality of life. While dentures can be incredibly helpful, they don't function exactly like natural teeth. Eating with dentures can take time and practice, and some older adults may continue to avoid certain foods because they're difficult or uncomfortable to chew. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why tooth loss is not a normal part of healthy aging • How missing teeth can affect nutrition • Why dentures don't completely eliminate chewing difficulties • Signs that an older adult may be struggling to chew, even if they say they aren't • Nutritious soft foods that can make eating easier • How to modify foods instead of simply eliminating them • Why chewing difficulties can contribute to unintended weight loss • How dentures and tooth loss can affect socialization, confidence, and quality of life • Ways to support someone adjusting to dentures When chewing becomes difficult, the goal isn't simply to remove nutritious foods from the diet. Instead, we can find ways to make those foods softer and easier to eat while continuing to meet nutritional needs. Learn more from The Geriatric Dietitian: https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/ Get free nutrition resources from The Geriatric Dietitian: https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com/ Be sure to subscribe to The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast and share this episode with someone who may find it helpful.

    TGD 015: Missing Teeth, Dentures, and Chewing Difficulty in Older Adults

  2. Aug 4

    TGD 014: Dry Mouth in Older Adults

    Dry mouth (xerostomia) is incredibly common in older adults, but it's often overlooked. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, saliva plays a critical role in chewing, swallowing, tasting food, protecting teeth, and supporting good nutrition. In this episode, Katie Dodd, MS, RDN, CSG, LD, FAND, explains why dry mouth deserves more attention and shares practical strategies healthcare professionals and caregivers can use to help older adults manage symptoms and maintain quality of life. In this episode, you'll learn: • What xerostomia is and why it occurs • Why saliva is essential for nutrition and oral health • Common causes of dry mouth in older adults • Medications frequently associated with dry mouth • How dry mouth can contribute to malnutrition and dehydration • Nutrition and lifestyle strategies that may help relieve symptoms • Why oral health assessments should be part of nutrition care Even small improvements in oral comfort can make eating more enjoyable and help older adults continue meeting their nutrition needs. 🌐 The Geriatric Dietitian Website https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/ 🎁 Free Healthy Aging Nutrition Guide https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com/

    TGD 014: Dry Mouth in Older Adults

  3. Jul 28

    TGD 013: Oral Health in Older Adults- Why It Matters More Than You Think

    Oral health isn't just about your teeth. It's one of the foundations of good nutrition. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, I explain why oral health matters so much for older adults and why it's a topic every dietitian, caregiver, and healthcare professional should pay attention to. You'll learn: Why the mouth is the first route of nutrition The connection between oral health and malnutrition Why tooth loss is not a normal part of healthy aging Why I always ask my patients if they brush and floss How poor oral health can make healthy eating more difficult This episode kicks off a five-part series on oral health in older adults. In upcoming episodes, we'll cover dry mouth, tooth loss and dentures, chewing difficulties, poor oral health and malnutrition, and practical nutrition strategies to support healthy aging. Resources Mentioned 🦷 Companion Article: Nutrition and Oral Health in Older Adults https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/nutrition-care-dental-health-in-older-adults/ 🎁 Free Nutrition Resources for Older Adults: https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com/ 📖 The Geriatric Dietitian Website: https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/ Connect with Katie 🌐 Website: https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGeriatricDietitian 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegeriatricdietitian If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a caregiver, healthcare professional, or anyone interested in healthy aging. Every share helps spread evidence-based nutrition information and supports The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast.

    TGD 013: Oral Health in Older Adults- Why It Matters More Than You Think

  4. Jul 21

    TGD 012: What's in a Name? Geriatric, Elderly, Senior, Older Adult

    What should we call older adults? Is there a "right" term to use, or does it depend on the person? In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, Katie Dodd, MS, RDN, CSG, LD, FAND, explores the language of aging and discusses the differences between terms like geriatric, elderly, senior, older adult, and healthy aging. While these words are often used interchangeably, they can carry very different meanings and emotions depending on the individual and the setting. Katie shares why she chose the name The Geriatric Dietitian, how her background as a board-certified specialist in gerontological nutrition influenced that decision, and why she intentionally uses a variety of aging-related terms in her educational content. Whether you're a healthcare professional, caregiver, or simply interested in healthy aging, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how language shapes our perceptions of aging and why there may never be one perfect term. In this episode, you'll learn: Why there is no universally preferred term for older adults The differences between geriatric, elderly, senior, and older adult Why many healthcare organizations now favor the term "older adult" How language influences attitudes toward aging Why Katie chose The Geriatric Dietitian as her brand name How search engine optimization (SEO) influences the language used in online education Why aging should be viewed as a privilege and celebrated

    TGD 012: What's in a Name? Geriatric, Elderly, Senior, Older Adult

  5. Jul 14

    TGD 011: What is a Geriatric Dietitian?

    What exactly is a geriatric dietitian, and how are they different from a nutritionist? In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, I explain the differences between a registered dietitian, a nutritionist, and a geriatric dietitian. You'll also learn what it means to be a Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG) and why specialized nutrition care matters for older adults. Whether you're an older adult, family caregiver, or healthcare professional, understanding these credentials can help you make informed decisions about your nutrition care. In this episode you'll learn: • The difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist • The education and training required to become a registered dietitian • Why nutrition for older adults requires specialized knowledge • What a Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG) is • How geriatric dietitians help older adults stay healthy, strong, and independent If you've ever wondered who to trust for nutrition advice, this episode will help clear up the confusion. This episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace individualized medical advice.   Learn more about geriatric nutrition at: https://thegeriatricdietitian.com Grab your free healthy aging resource here: Free Healthy Aging Resource If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit from learning more about healthy aging and nutrition.

    TGD 011: What is a Geriatric Dietitian?

  6. Jul 7

    TGD 010: Calories for Seniors: Preventing Unintended Weight Loss

    Calories are often talked about in the context of dieting and weight loss, but for many older adults, not eating enough can become a much bigger concern. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we discuss why calories matter for healthy aging, why unintended weight loss should never be ignored, and practical ways older adults can support adequate nutrition intake. In this episode, you'll learn: What calories actually are and why the body needs them Why unintended weight loss is concerning in older adults How low calorie intake can contribute to muscle loss and frailty Why preserving muscle matters for healthy aging High-calorie foods that may help support weight maintenance Practical ways to increase calories throughout the day How calories and protein work together When to involve your healthcare team This episode also discusses why nutrition for older adults is not always about restriction. In many situations, healthy aging nutrition is about making sure older adults are eating enough to maintain strength, physical function, and independence. Learn more at: The Geriatric Dietitian Grab your free healthy aging resource here: Free Healthy Aging Resource If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit from learning more about healthy aging and nutrition.

  7. Jun 30

    TGD 009: Protein for Seniors: Prevent Muscle Loss and Stay Strong

    Protein is an important nutrient for healthy aging because it plays a major role in maintaining muscle, strength, physical function, and independence. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we discuss why protein matters so much for older adults, how aging affects muscle mass, and practical ways to increase protein intake throughout the day. In this episode, you'll learn: Why protein is important for older adults What sarcopenia is and why it matters Protein recommendations for seniors Why older adults may benefit from higher protein intake Food sources of protein, including plant-based options Why exercise and resistance training matter alongside protein Signs of low protein intake Practical tips for increasing protein intake throughout the day Protein supports muscle maintenance, healing, immunity, mobility, and overall healthy aging. This episode also explains how protein and exercise work together to help older adults stay strong and maintain independence. Learn more at: The Geriatric Dietitian Grab your free healthy aging resource here: Free Healthy Aging Resource If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit from learning more about nutrition and healthy aging.

    TGD 009: Protein for Seniors: Prevent Muscle Loss and Stay Strong

  8. Jun 23

    TGD 008: Fiber and Aging: Importance for Older Adults

    Fiber is an important nutrient for healthy aging, yet most adults, including older adults, are not getting enough. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we discuss why fiber matters for older adults, how it supports digestion and overall health, and practical ways to increase fiber intake safely. In this episode, you'll learn: What fiber is and why it matters for healthy aging How fiber supports digestion, gut health, heart health, and blood sugar management Fiber recommendations for older adults Why most adults still need more fiber Food sources high in fiber Why fluid intake matters when increasing fiber When fiber supplements may be helpful Why constipation is not always as simple as "eat more fiber" Fiber plays an important role in bowel regularity, fullness after meals, cholesterol management, and supporting the gut microbiome. This episode also includes a personal story about chronic constipation and why individualized healthcare matters. Learn more at: The Geriatric Dietitian Grab your free healthy aging resource here: Free Healthy Aging Resource If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who may benefit from learning more about healthy aging and nutrition.

    TGD 008: Fiber and Aging: Importance for Older Adults
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast is your go-to geriatric nutrition podcast for practical, evidence-based guidance to support healthy aging. Hosted by Registered Dietitian and gerontological nutrition specialist Katie Dodd, this podcast helps older adults, caregivers, and healthcare professionals better understand nutrition in aging without the confusion or overwhelm. Each episode delivers simple, real-life strategies to support strength, independence, and quality of life. If you're looking for straightforward nutrition guidance that makes sense for aging, you're in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Katie Dodd, MS, RDN, CSG, LD, FAND
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    The Geriatric Dietitian