Strong nutrition is essential across the lifecycle, especially for older adults. The U.S. population is aging rapidly, putting them at greater risk for malnutrition. Malnutrition among older adults is linked to poorer health, disabilities and increased health care costs.
The Academy's recently released consensus statement, "Provision and Access to Nutrition Care for the Prevention and Treatment of Malnutrition in Older Adults Within Long-Term Care and Community Settings," underscores the need for equitable access to nutrition care, including MNT delivered or supported by RDNs, to improve the health of older adults living in long-term care and community settings.
Highlighting how investing in and expanding nutrition care can lead to better outcomes and more efficient use of health resources, the consensus statement offers a roadmap for RDNs, policymakers and stakeholders to align efforts that ensure older adults receive the nutrition care they need to thrive.
Funded by the Academy's Dietetics in Healthcare Communities DPG, the statement draws from evidence-based systematic reviews and expert input to identify persistent barriers like fragmented care systems, limited payment for nutrition services, workforce shortages and gaps in research.
The consensus statement provides strategies for overcoming these challenges, including expanding access to individualized nutrition care; improving staffing and referrals; and integrating nutrition services across health care and community programs.
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