Facts on Nutrition for Older Adults

Current life expectancy for U.S. is 77.6 years, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

In Santa Clara County, residents 65 or older represent 9.5% of the population according to the 2000 census – about 160,000.

Persons over age 85 are the fastest growing segment of the population in the U.S.

Why are seniors at risk for poor nutrition?

• Taste buds change so seniors may not find food satisfying or feel hungry.  Poor appetites lead to under-nutrition.  1 in 5 skip meals daily.

• Not enough money to buy fresh, nutritious foods.  Only 13% eat the minimum amount of fruit and vegetables. 

• Physical problems can make it difficult to buy and prepare meals, leading to snacking and relying on packaged foods rather than fresh-cooked, hot meals.

• Lack of energy and/or interest in cooking for one.  “It’s too much trouble just for me” is a frequent comment.

• Side effects of medications and health problems.  50% take multiple medications daily, increasing the chance they will experience weakness, drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea, constipation or a change in appetite. 

 

Delivery of hot meals keeps our clients in their homes and out of costly institutions.

One year’s worth of funding for the delivery of hot meals by Meals On Wheels
is less than one day in an acute care hospital.