Comparison should include the nutritional needs at the following stages of life:

• Infancy (first year)
• Childhood and adolescence (1–18)
• Adulthood (18–30)
• Older adulthood (over 60)

Comparison should also include the additional nutritional needs of persons at each stage of life according to various levels of physical activity.

Teacher Resources:

• Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030, U.S. Department of Agriculture
• RealFood.gov, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

• What factors determine nutritional needs at various stages of life?
• What nutrition-related problems may arise at different stages of life?

Communication

• How can one understand and evaluate nutritional needs throughout the life span?
• What does one need to know to understand the relationship between lifestyle and health and wellness across the life span?

Leadership

• What strategies would bring about positive change in lifestyle for family members?
• What guidelines promote healthy lifestyles across the life span?

Management

• What steps should family members take to establish goals to meet the nutritional needs of family members at different stages of life?
• What resources influence a family’s ability to meet the nutritional needs of family members?