As the population is living longer, and there are more older people, with an expectation that the elderly segment of the population will only get larger, prevention activities become more important. Primary prevention is a strategy used to reduce the exposure to risk factors for the development of both chronic and acute disease. For older adults, exposure to risk factors may have existed for decades. Nutritional risk factors derive from long term eating behaviors that are difficult to alter but are often major determinants in the development of chronic conditions common among older adults. Other primary prevention strategies include consideration of social conditions that permit food security, access to shopping and cooking resources, and assessment of self-feeding skills.
Secondary prevention involves early detection and treatment of disease.
For nutritional risks, there are several screening mechanisms that allow for early detection. The best known example is the Nutrition Screening Initiative. This project consists of a series of screening and assessment tools that contribute to identifying risks for nutritional problems, to early intervention for nutritional problems, and to accessing appropriate services. Many nutritional deficiencies are easily restored if they are identified early. Disease-related nutritional disorders can be corrected quickly if the primary disease is treated.