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A healthy diet is an important part of aging and living well. However, according to the Nutrition and Aging Resource Center, one in two older adults in the United States are at risk for malnutrition.
Malnutrition is a serious condition that happens when your diet doesn’t contain the right amount of nutrients. One of the leading risk factors for malnutrition is food insecurity. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 13.5% of families in the U.S. were food insecure at some time during 2023.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture divides food insecurity into two classes: Low food insecurity is when the quality and variety of food is reduced.
Very low food insecurity is when households have multiple occasions of skipping meals because they couldn’t afford enough food.
Aging service providers and professionals working with older adults can help reduce malnutrition and food insecurity by understanding risk factors, knowing the signs and symptoms in the aging population, and connecting those identified as at risk with community-based resources and services.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Texercise Prevents aims to raise awareness among providers, professionals and caregivers on the prevalence of malnutrition and food insecurity in older adults. Download Texercise Prevents campaign materials by visiting the Aging Well Resources Order Form and choosing “Nutritional Health” under “Select a Category.”
HHSC provides additional resources to support older Texans with healthy aging: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assists people with buying the food they need for good health. Learn more by visiting yourtexasbenefits. com.
Area Agencies on Aging provide older adults, their families and caregivers with nutrition services, including home and congregate meals as well as evidence-based fitness programs. To connect with the nearest agency, call 800252-9240.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers are part of the Texas No Wrong Door system and help streamline access to long-term services and support for the whole family. To learn more, call 855-937-2372.
