The American Dietetic Association is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. Our nearly 70,000 members are trained in the science of nutrition, and serve the public through the promotion of optimal nutrition, health and well-being. Dietitians across the country are concerned about the special nutritional needs of older Americans. In fact, nearly 3000 of our members are part of our Gerontological Nutritionists Practice Group.
Dietitians recognize that seniors are at higher risk of malnutrition than the general population.
This is due to social, economic and physiological factors that include social isolation, poverty, difficulties in eating or swallowing, adverse drug-nutrient interactions, alcohol abuse, depression, impaired taste and smell, and functional disabilities that keep them from performing everyday activities such as eating, buying and preparing food. Through these vital programs we are preventing malnutrition, and thereby, reducing complications and hospitalizations among those with chronic diseases. These programs also enable us to prevent illness common among older adults. In addition to the provision of meals, other nutrition services such as nutrition screening, assessment, education, counseling, outreach, meals for special diets, shopping assistance and referrals to food assistance programs are included by some programs. These services are sometimes provided through Title III F, Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Services.