Optimizing Outcomes: Therapeutic Lifestyle Interventions for the Prevention and Treatment of Geriatric Syndromes

After completing this continuing education course the learner should be able to:

• Define geriatric syndromes and describe their clinical significance in older adults.
• Identify the most common geriatric syndromes affecting community-dwelling and institutionalized older adults.
• Integrate the six domains of lifestyle medicine in tailoring holistic care plans for older adults.
• Apply evidence-based, individualized therapeutic lifestyle interventions for prevention and management of frailty, falls, cognitive decline, incontinence, depression, sarcopenia, and polypharmacy.
• Utilize practical strategies within interprofessional collaboration and patient engagement to promote lifestyle modification implementation and adherence.

This course is intended for: RDNs and NDTRs

Optimizing outcomes: Therapeutic lifestyle interventions for the prevention and treatment of geriatric syndromes awards 1.25 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program for the Live Webinar. 

CDR Activity Number: 192793  Activity Type: Live Activity 172

Optimizing outcomes: Therapeutic lifestyle interventions for the prevention and treatment of geriatric syndromes awards 1.25 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program for the Recorded (Enduring) Webinar. 

CDR Activity Number: 192794 Activity Type: Enduring Activity 741

Suggested Performance Indicators:

• 11.2.9 Gathers and evaluates information that affects intake and nutrition and health status (e.g., behaviors, beliefs, knowledge, cultural, religious, ethnic, psychosocial, and social determinants of health) that influence nutrition and health.
• 11.3.9 Leads the implementation of nutrition interventions in collaboration with clients/patients and the interprofessional team.
• 9.1.5 Demonstrates knowledge of nutrient requirements throughout the lifespan, and their role in health promotion and disease prevention.

Note: Numerous other Performance Indicators may apply.

Melissa Bernstein, PhD, RDN, LD, FAND, DipACLM, FACLM, FNAP is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Nutrition at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine. As an international speaker and educator, she is passionate about educating students and healthcare professionals on the importance of food as medicine for improving health outcomes and quality of life; for which she was recognized as one of Today’s Dietitians ‘Top 10 Dietitians Making a Difference’ in 2025. Dr. Bernstein has co-authored 6 nutrition textbooks, and has contributed, authored, and reviewed textbook chapters and peer-reviewed journal publications. She participates on numerous advisory and review boards including the board of editors for the Nutrition Care Manual and the Primary Care Advisory Board for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and nutrition editor for the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. A former member of the Board of Directors for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Bernstein continues to actively serve on several committees including as chair of the Education Committee and the Nutrition Messaging Task Force.

Disclosures: Melissa discloses that she is a textbook author for Jones and Bartlett Learning, however, she certifies that no conflict of interest exists for this program.

Kelly Freeman, MSN, RN, AGPCNP-BC, DipACLM is a board-certified adult/geriatric primary care nurse practitioner, health policy scholar, and international speaker with nationally recognized expertise in lifestyle medicine workforce development, education, and systems transformation. She serves as Director of Workforce Development at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, where she leads strategic initiatives to build, sustain, and scale the lifestyle medicine workforce across clinical, academic, and organizational settings.

Kelly brings a distinguished background spanning clinical practice, executive leadership, academia, and military service, including her role as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Nurse Corps. Her professional experience includes leadership positions in primary care, higher education, consulting, and health systems innovation, with a focus on value-based care, clinician well-being, and workforce sustainability.

She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska and her Master of Science in Nursing from Indiana University, where she also completed post-graduate certificates in public health and nursing education. She is currently a PhD candidate in Health Policy.

A published author and thought leader, Kelly has co-authored four book chapters and multiple peer-reviewed publications on lifestyle medicine reimbursement, shared medical appointments, workforce models, clinician burnout, well-being, and cost savings. She is both a Diplomate and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclosures: Kelly discloses that she is a speaker for Ardmore Institute of Health and the Director of Workforce Development at the American College of LIfestyle Medicine, however, she certifies that no conflict of interest exists for this program.