Evaluating the Nutritional Risk of Older Adults Participating in the South Carolina Older Americans Act

Older Americans Act (OAA) services are designed to help older adults maintain maximum independence in their homes and communities and to promote a continuum of care for the vulnerable elderly. Monitoring nutrition status of Area Agencies on Aging clients will help identify those at high nutritional risk for poor health outcomes and the factors contributing to that risk. This assessment will inform the development of strategies to enhance delivery of food and nutrition services to those with the greatest need. The purpose of this study is to determine population “hot spots†of high nutritional risk and their association with demographic indicators by analyzing data collected at senior centers using the South Carolina Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging Assessment/reassessment instrument. Preliminary results show that older adults receiving services from Area Agencies on Aging in the South Carolina’s I-95 Corridor Region have the higher nutrition risk scores. This research could be used to engage and solicit active participation of various key players in the state to improve nutritional status of older adults. Results could also be helpful in seeking to ensure adequacy of economic resources and minimize the risk of financial setbacks