Supporting Healthy Eating: Championing Malnutrition In The Community
This year’s Canadian Malnutrition Awareness Week is October 4 to 8.
The theme of this year challenges all of us to: “Be your own Nutrition Champion”
Impact of Malnutrition in Canada
1 in 3 older adults find it difficult to meet their nutritional needs
Up to 1 in 2 adults are malnourished on admission to hospital
1 in 4 adults lose weight after discharge from hospital
Malnutrition can lead to muscle loss, affect mobility, and make hospital stays longer
The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated preexisting circumstances systemically experienced by older adults on discharge from hospital. Factors that create barriers to accessing adequate nutrition such as:
Social isolation
Barriers to accessing groceries
Ability to prepare food on own
Limited natural supports
The ongoing pandemic has further reinforced the critical role food and nutrition has on overall health and wellbeing. Being well nourished helps to maintain a strong immune system and reduce the risk of infection. It also helps to maintain bone health and lean body mass so critical for our mobility and quality of life as we age.
During the pandemic, Calgary Meals on Wheels was able to support 400+ older adults on discharge from the hospital with 30-days of complimentary meal support through our Going Home Program. This pilot program successfully achieved its goals to:
Facilitate healthier outcomes for older adults transitioning from hospital to home.
Improve food security and reduce anxiety.
Facilitate valuable opportunities for social connections and community supports.
Address nutrition risk factors that contribute to malnutrition.
Play a preventative role in reducing readmissions
As we get older, we need fewer calories, but we need the same amount or even more of certain vitamins and minerals. A nutritionally dense diet, incorporating protein foods with meals and snacks, ensures we achieve our nutrition goals to support good health.
Are you choosing foods to help you stay healthy and active as you age?
A nutrition screening questionnaire can help tell you:
What you are doing well
Things you can improve upon
Steps you can take to eat healthier
Where to find trusted healthy eating information & tools
The Nutri-eSCREEN™ is an eating habits survey designed for use by older adults in Canada. Consider taking this nutrition screen for yourself and see how your eating habits stack up.
The Canadian Malnutrition Awareness Week resources encourage us all to be “Nutrition Champions.” It is recommended that you talk with your doctor or health care professional if:
You/your family member has a poor appetite
You/your family member has been eating less than usual
You/your family member has lost weight without trying
You/your family member feel less strong than usual
Good nutrition is important so Be your own Nutrition Champion and eat for your health. If you want to get started with better nutrition, visit Calgary Meals on Wheels and learn how our delicious and nutritious home delivered meals can help support your daily nutrition.
You can also visit the Canadian Malnutrition Task Force website for infographics and posters on nutrition and malnutrition awareness.
If you are looking for more tips on healthy eating check out this guide on healthy eating for older adults .
Kim Jeffery has been a Registered Dietitian for 28 years and is a member of the College of Dietitians of Alberta. For the past 11 years Kim has used her expertise to help ensure the meals produced at Calgary Meals on Wheels are nutritious and healthy for our clients.
This information is provided by our Registered Dietitian and is not meant to replace advice from your medical doctor or health professional regarding your individual needs. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only.