Abstract
Background By 2030, nearly 21% of the population will be 65 years and older. Those who reach 65 will live, on average, an additional 19 years. Adequate nutrition is essential to health and quality of life for older adults. Congregate and home-delivered meal programs are an ideal setting to provide nutrition education to promote successful aging. Objective This study described the content of nutrition education delivered at congregate and home-delivered meal programs and the extent to which education sessions were being evaluated for effectiveness. Study Design, Settings, Participants This cross-sectional study collected data through a novel, national, online survey for nutrition educators working with congregate and home-delivered meal programs. Survey participants were recruited via multiple listservs and contact information from agencies and organizations who work with congregate and home delivered meal participants (n = 236). Forty five states in the US were represented. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Descriptive statistics were conducted for the full sample and compared between dietetic (n = 116) and non-dietetic professionals (n = 120). Results Almost 70% of nutrition educators worked in the profession for 10+ years and more than half worked with older adults for 10+ years. The most common topics delivered at congregate and home-delivered meal programs were: food safety (62%), healthy eating (57%), and diabetes (56%); the most common delivery method was handouts (71%). Only 29% choose materials that focus specifically on behavior change. Nutrition educators were somewhat satisfied with available materials yet reported not knowing about, nor using, freely available, evaluated programs for older adults. Nutrition educators reported malnutrition as a major issue but that they lacked tools to screen for and address malnutrition. Dietetics professionals were more likely to conduct evaluations for their sessions (2.13 vs.1.67, 4-point scale) compared to non-dietetic professionals. Conclusion Nutrition educators working with congregate and home-delivered meal participants need training on how to conduct evaluations, especially non-dietetic professionals. Training is needed for addressing malnutrition and using screening tools. Resource-sharing hubs at both local and national levels are warranted. Funding None.
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