ICTQual AB Level 6 Diploma in Aging and Nutrition (Dip Aging and Nutrition)
The ICTQual AB Level 6 Diploma in Aging and Nutrition (Dip Aging and Nutrition) is an advanced qualification designed for learners who wish to specialise in the nutritional needs, health management, and wellbeing of older adults. This programme provides a comprehensive understanding of how aging impacts physiological, metabolic, and cognitive functions, and how nutrition can play a pivotal role in maintaining health, preventing disease, and enhancing quality of life. Learners will gain practical skills to assess nutritional status, develop age-appropriate dietary interventions, and support healthy ageing in clinical, community, and residential care settings.
Throughout the course, learners will explore key topics such as nutrient requirements for older adults, age-related metabolic changes, sarcopenia, cognitive decline, chronic disease management, and the prevention of malnutrition and frailty. The diploma emphasises evidence-based practice, enabling learners to critically appraise current research, implement nutritional interventions, and provide informed guidance to older adults, caregivers, and healthcare teams. Participants will also gain insight into social, psychological, and cultural factors influencing dietary habits in ageing populations, preparing them to deliver holistic, person-centred care.
This qualification is particularly relevant for healthcare professionals, dietitians, nutritionists, researchers, and social care practitioners who wish to expand their expertise in geriatric nutrition. Learners will develop skills in nutritional assessment, dietary planning, counselling, and health promotion, equipping them to enhance wellbeing, manage age-related conditions, and support independence in older adults.
Completing the ICTQual AB Level 6 Diploma in Aging and Nutrition contributes to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and strengthens career prospects in clinical practice, public health, research, and education. Learners will be well-positioned to implement evidence-based nutrition strategies, influence health outcomes, and contribute to innovative care initiatives for ageing populations.
Level 6 Diploma in Aging and Nutrition (Dip Aging and Nutrition)
To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 6 Diploma in Aging and Nutrition (Dip Aging and Nutrition), learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 6 Diploma in Aging and Nutrition (Dip Aging and Nutrition), consists of 6 mandatory units.
- Fundamentals of Geriatric Nutrition
- Physiological and Metabolic Changes in Aging
- Nutritional Assessment and Intervention for Older Adults
- Managing Age-Related Conditions through Nutrition
- Health Promotion and Wellbeing in Aging Populations
- Professional Ethics, Communication, and Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:
Fundamentals of Geriatric Nutrition
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of nutrient requirements for older adults.
- Analyse the impact of diet on health, longevity, and quality of life.
- Understand the role of nutrition in preventing age-related conditions.
- Apply evidence-based principles to geriatric dietary planning.
Physiological and Metabolic Changes in Aging
- Evaluate age-related changes in metabolism, digestion, and absorption.
- Assess the effects of physiological changes on nutrient requirements.
- Identify risk factors for malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty.
- Integrate scientific knowledge into practical nutrition strategies for older adults.
Nutritional Assessment and Intervention for Older Adults
- Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments for older adults.
- Monitor dietary intake, growth, and health indicators.
- Develop personalised dietary interventions to improve health outcomes.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition strategies over time.
Managing Age-Related Conditions through Nutrition
- Identify common age-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cognitive decline.
- Design nutrition plans to support disease prevention and management.
- Implement evidence-based strategies to enhance functional health and wellbeing.
- Advise caregivers and healthcare teams on practical nutrition interventions.
Health Promotion and Wellbeing in Aging Populations
- Promote healthy lifestyle and dietary habits for older adults.
- Integrate social, psychological, and cultural factors into nutrition planning.
- Develop community or institutional programs to support aging populations.
- Evaluate outcomes of health promotion initiatives.
Professional Ethics, Communication, and Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct in geriatric nutrition practice.
- Communicate complex nutritional information effectively to older adults, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance health outcomes.
- Reflect on practice to improve quality of care, safety, and professional competence.
The ICTQual AB Level 6 Diploma in Aging and Nutrition equips learners with advanced knowledge and practical skills to assess, plan, and implement evidence-based nutrition strategies for older adults. Completing this diploma opens diverse career and academic pathways, allowing learners to enhance professional credibility, specialise in geriatric nutrition, and contribute to healthcare, research, and community wellbeing initiatives. This qualification also supports Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and positions learners to take on leadership, advisory, or specialist roles in clinical, public health, or educational settings.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Learners can pursue advanced roles in geriatric nutrition, healthcare, and wellness, including:
- Geriatric Nutrition Specialist, designing and implementing dietary plans for older adults
- Clinical Dietitian or Nutritionist, working in hospitals, clinics, or residential care settings
- Public Health Practitioner, promoting healthy aging and nutrition at the population level
- Researcher in aging and nutrition, evaluating interventions and health outcomes
- Educator or Trainer, providing knowledge on aging, diet, and wellbeing to professionals or communities
Academic Progression
This diploma provides a pathway for further study and specialisation:
- Level 7 postgraduate qualifications in Geriatric Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, or Health Sciences
- Advanced research opportunities in aging, chronic disease management, or nutritional interventions
- Professional certifications in specialised areas such as gerontology, wellness consultancy, or disease-specific nutrition
Professional Development and CPD
The qualification enhances ongoing professional growth:
- Strengthening Continuing Professional Development (CPD) through expertise in aging and nutrition
- Keeping learners updated with emerging research, dietary guidelines, and evidence-based practices
- Building credibility as an expert in geriatric nutrition and age-related health interventions
Consultancy and Leadership Opportunities
Learners may also explore independent or consultancy roles:
- Advising healthcare providers, care homes, or community organisations on nutrition programmes for older adults
- Designing and implementing evidence-based interventions to support healthy aging
- Collaborating with research institutions, public health agencies, or policy-makers to improve older adult wellbeing
