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Press Release
Older Americans Act Needs Your Support
We know that nutrition plays a pivotal role in maintaining health as we advance in age. In Massachusetts alone, the Commonwealth served 8.6 million nutritious meals to older adults last year with funding support through the Older Americans Act. These meals were served at congregate luncheon programs in senior centers, elder housing, and other community venues where seniors gather. Homebound seniors unable to prepare meals for themselves, received home delivered meals through Meals on Wheels, not only supporting their well-being but assisting them to remain in their homes with dignity and independence.
Statistics collected by the MA Elder Nutrition programs across the state show that close to 67% of the home delivered meals recipients are aged 80 or older and about 75% report the lunch is their main meal of the day. Approximately 25% of respondents report eating less food on days they do not receive meals. Participants also cited improved health: more than 75% reported eating better, feeling better, or having more energy as a result of the nutrition program. With minimal stigma attached, the program also continues to prove successful in reaching those at highest risk for food insecurity.
When the United States Congress reconvenes later this month, the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act will be introduced. Programs in Massachusetts are particularly interested in retaining the ability to purchase USDA commodity food and receive bonus commodity foods for the nutrition program. Massachusetts is a leader in using commodities to ensure food quality and safety and control meal costs. In 2007, the Older Americans Reauthorization Technical Corrections Act as Public Law 109-116 was introduced by the late Senator Kennedy and Senator Roberts (R-KS). This legislation will be at risk unless it is incorporated into this reauthorization.
Anti-aging and vitality are important to the baby boomer. With the baby boom population increasing at an unprecedented rate, 2012 is a critical year to guarantee the nutrition and health of older adults in the state of Massachusetts and across the country. Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc., Tri-Valley Inc., Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc. and Bay Path Elder Services, Inc. join the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), emphasizing the value of the vital community and home-based services provided by the Older Americans Act, and support its reauthorization. The OAA has enjoyed bipartisan support over its more than 45 year history. The 75,000 older adults who received nutritious meals in the Commonwealth last year, represent the importance of ensuring that there is no disruption in the renewal process.
We encourage the Central Massachusetts community to learn more about the benefits of area nutrition programs by contacting Elder Services of Worcester Area Inc. 508-852-3205, TriValley, Inc. 508-949-6640, Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc.978-345-8501, or Bay Path Elder Services, Inc. 508-573-7210. And let your voice be heard in support of the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act by contacting NANASP:
Robert B. Blancato rblancato@matzblancato.com
Shannon Donahue sdonahue@matzblancato.com
National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, NANASP
1612 K Street NW, Suite 400
Photograph captions: top of page, left: Antoinette “Ginger” Rinaldi, 91, has been a Dining Site Manager for over 25 years.
top of column, left: Dorothy Babineau, who turns 90 in July, has been receiving Meals on Wheels since 2006.
top of column, right: Rose Barry, who turns 101 on February 2, has been enjoying congregate lunches since 1982.
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