Relationship between nutrition and health In recent years, research has been conducted on the causes and consequences of poor nutrition among the elderly. Researchers continually work to distinguish risk factors for poor nutrition; the factors of greatest concern are “poor appetite, functional limitations, limited income and social isolation” (Lirette, Podovennikoff, Wismer, Tondu, Klatt, 2007). Individuals at highest risk are those living at home without family support (Krondl, Coleman, Lau, 2008). The diets of many older adults are often low in calories and lacking in important nutrients. All these factors can influence the health and quality of life of the elderly. Nutrition plays a significant role in the health of the elderly. It is estimated that 85% of older adults living outside of a nursing home have a chronic condition that could improve with proper nutrition (Posner, Jette, Smith, Miller, 1993). Research has also found that up to half of these individuals have diagnoses that require nutritional intervention. Preventing poor nutrition in older adults has a major impact on their overall health. Keys to prevention include using nutritional risk screening of the elderly population, education, and ensuring that older adults have access to nutritious food. One area of ​​intervention that has proven useful in preventing and improving poor nutrition in the elderly is that of food assistance programs. Evaluating Your Options There are numerous nutrition programs available to seniors in the United States. It is vital that people are informed about the programs offered in their area. There are few meal delivery options in Sheboygan County. Meals on Wheels offers...... half of paper ...... from http://www.aurorahealthcare.org/services/vna/mobile.aspPosner, B., Jette, A., Smith, K. , & Miller, D. (1993, July). American Journal of Public Health, 83(7), 972-978. Retrieved April 12, 2011, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1694757/?page=1Theresa, L., Podovennikoff, J., Wismer, W., Tondu, L., & Klatt, L. (2007). Food preferences and satisfaction of participants in meals at home. Can J Diet Prac. Res., 68, 214-217. doi:10.3148/68.4.2007.214(2000, April 18). In Health and Human Services: Division on Aging. Retrieved April 12, 2011, from http://www.co.sheboygan.wi.us/html/d_hhs_divaging.html(2011). In the Meals on Wheels Association of America. Retrieved April 12, 2011, from http://www.mowaa.org/page.aspx?pid=480(2011). In Sheboygan County Meals on Wheels. Retrieved April 12, 2011, from http://www.sheboyganmealsonwheels.org/index.asp