Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Food and Nutrition for Older Adults: Promoting Health and Wellness

It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that all Americans aged 60 years and older receive appropriate nutrition care; have access to coordinated, comprehensive food and nutrition services; and receive the benefits of ongoing research to identify the most effective food and nutrition programs, interventions, and therapies. Health, physiologic, and functional changes associated with the aging process can influence nutrition needs and nutrient intake. The practice of nutrition for older adults is no longer limited to those who are frail, malnourished, and ill. The population of adults older than age 60 years includes many individuals who are living healthy, vital lives with a variety of nutrition-related circumstances and environments. Access and availability of wholesome, nutritious food is essential to ensure successful aging and well-being for the rapidly growing, heterogeneous, multiracial, and ethnic population of older adults. To ensure successful aging and minimize the effects of disease and disability, a wide range of flexible dietary recommendations, culturally sensitive food and nutrition services, physical activities, and supportive care tailored to older adults are necessary. National, state, and local strategies that promote access to coordinated food and nutrition services are essential to maintain independence, functional ability, disease management, and quality of life. Those working with older adults must be proactive in demonstrating the value of comprehensive food and nutrition services. To meet the needs of all older adults, registered dietitians and dietetic technicians, registered,mustwiden their scopeofpractice to includeprevention, treatment, andmaintenance of health and quality of life into old age. POSITION STATEMENT It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that all Americans aged 60 years and older receive appropriate nutrition care; have access to coordinated, comprehensive food and nutrition services; and receive the benefits of ongoing research to identify the most effective food and nutrition programs, interventions, and therapies. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012;112:1255-1277. H EALTHY LIFESTYLES, EARLY detection of diseases, immunizations, and injury prevention have proven to be effective in promoting the health and longevity of older adults. One in every eight people in America is an older adult, defined by the Older Americans Act (OAA) as an individual who is aged 60 years older. The enjoyment of food and nutritional well-being, along with other environmental influences, has an influence on health-related quality of life and the aging process (Figure 1). Quality of life is defined in public health and medicine as a person’s perceived physical and mental health over time, including factors such as health risks, and conditions, functional status, social support, and socioeconomic status.