# Senior Nutrition Program

# Webinar Takeaways

**Health and Well-Being**

March 25, 2021

Webinar recording and PowerPoint

This webinar was the fourth of four events held in March to celebrate the anniversary of the National Senior Nutrition Program, which began in 1972.

# Learning Objectives

· Define health and well-being, including new challenges presented during the pandemic.

· Health and well-being programs and the value of partnerships.

· Reaching and marketing to older Americans.

The webinar kicked off with a welcome from ACL’s Nutrition Consultant for the Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Program, followed by two program speakers who addressed how they are tackling senior nutrition in their states.

# Speaker #1

Carmen Clutter, MS, RDN, LD, Population Health and Nutrition Manager, Ohio Department on Aging

· Assessed older Ohioans and created a comprehensive report about their health and well-being.

· Key findings of the assessment:

· The opportunity to live a long and full life is out of reach for many Ohioans.

· Strengthening housing and transportation in Ohio supports health aging.

· Most people can cover basic needs, but many are not financially ready for life after work.

· Caregiver supports and workforce capacity are key issues facing this population.

· Older Ohioans face mounting challenges related to mental health and addiction.

· Chronic conditions, including heart disease as well as dementia and related disorders, remain a concern for older Ohioans.

· Striking statistic: The assessment revealed a difference in life expectancy among residents in two areas located a mere four miles apart: nearly 22 years.

· Nutrition strategies instituted during COVID-19:

· Prioritized essential services:

· Personal care

· Adult day services

· Assisted transportation

· Home-delivered meals

· Care coordination

· Created Small-Business Restaurant Initiative to support restaurants and meet the increased demand for home-delivered meals.

· Used Title III-B funds to expand grocery ordering & delivery services.

· Instituted bulk purchasing with farmers, using drive-thru pickup and home-delivered produce deliveries to get food to the community.

· Assessment data-informed development of the Strategic Action Plan on Aging (SAPA).

· Aims to advance elder justice and equity and to achieve optimal health and well-being for older Ohioans.

· Vision is Ohio is the best place to age in the nation.

· Developed nutrition strategies and measurements to improve health behaviors for older Ohioans.

# Speaker #2

Alexandra Bauman, RD, LDN, Nutrition, Health & Wellness Director, Iowa Department on Aging

· Consumer participation in Iowa’s congregate meal program decreased 60% from 2010 to 2019.

· The program has identified barriers, worked to build new knowledge in the barrier areas, and is currently addressing both barriers and system issues. Barriers found include:

· Marketing

· Intake form

· Menu

· Nutrition

· Funding

· Environment

· Purpose of the Older Americans Act (OAA)

· Reduce hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition.

· Promote socialization of older adults.

· Promote health and well-being with access to nutrition and health promotion/disease prevention service to delay the onset of chronic conditions.

· According to the 2018 National Survey of OAA Participants:

· 80% of congregate participants say they eat healthier because of the meal program.

· 90%****of home-delivered participants report the program helped them live independently and remain in their home. 

· The OAA Nutrition Program is not simply a “feeding program” or a “meal program.” 

· Stressed the value of partnerships, outlining Iowa AAA community partners:

· Mayor and local government

· Nonprofits

· Public spaces (e.g., parks, libraries, schools)

· Faith-based organizations

· Healthcare and hospital networks

· Grocery stores

· Food banks and pantries

· Outreach and marketing have been a focus.

· Implemented a café-style concept (the Iowa Café) to make congregate meals more appealing to participants.

· More information available on the Department of Aging’s webpage.

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