List four examples of major nutritional policy recommendations from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to better help older adults manage their health

Answer 1

Several major nutrition policy recommendations for promoting the health of older adults are related to the value of nutrition services:
• Good nutrition is essential to the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults and one of the major determinants of successful aging.
• Nutrition services are needed in the wide variety of settings in which older adults live, dine, and receive health care. These include rehabilitation, community health, congregant feeding, home care, adult daycare, assisted-living, and nursing facilities.
• More than a quarter of all Americans and two out of every three older Americans have multiple chronic conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, hypertension, obesity, and osteoporosis) that can benefit from nutrition intervention by food and nutrition practitioners.
• The majority of homebound older adults rely on informal caregivers, most of whom are untrained and unprepared for care management.
• A broad array of culturally appropriate food and nutrition services as well as physical activities and supportive care are vital for maintaining the health of this growing segment of the U.S. population.
• Enjoyment of food, along with its social and nurturing aspects, contributes to quality of life for older adults. Evidence shows that services that improve nutrition among older adults produce positive health outcomes and reduce their health care costs.
• Adults with poor nutritional status, especially those consuming inadequate food and fluids, are more likely to have serious complications.