Why are healthy nutrition habits important for older adults?
About 95% of health care costs for older adults are attributed to chronic diseases. Since healthy lifestyle habits can reduce the risk and severity of these diseases, it?s essential that nutrient-dense foods are available and accessible to all persons. Unfortunately, more than ¾ of older Americans do not consume high quality, healthful diets. Malnutrition is associated with fatigue and weakness, decreased immunity, increased infections, more frequent hospital admissions, and increased mortality rates. The risk of malnutrition increases in older adults with limited finances, lack of transportation, multiple medications, periodontal disease, other oral problems, social isolation, and depression. How can food programs help older adults? Although an increasing number of Americans are enjoying longer, healthier lives, many older adults in the community could benefit from food assistance programs. With more than 1 in 4 older adults categorized as low income, many are at risk of food insecuri
