A recent study reported that up to two-thirds of community-dwelling older adults living in Canada were at risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition can decrease the immune response, thereby conferring increased risk of COVID-19 infection and worse outcomes. Dietary resilience refers to one’s ability to stay well-nourished despite facing stress and barriers. Dietary resilience may therefore help to protect from malnutrition. Conversely, social isolation, such as many older adults have experienced during the pandemic, increases risk of malnutrition. Results of a brief intervention to improve dietary resilience and nutrition risk in older adults living in Alberta and social distancing because of the COVID-19 pandemic will be presented. The role of community-based organizations will be addressed.
A recent study reported that up to two-thirds of community-dwelling older adults living in Canada were at risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition can decrease the immune response, thereby conferring increased risk of COVID-19 infection and worse outcomes. Dietary resilience refers to one’s ability to stay well-nourished despite facing stress and barriers. Dietary resilience may therefore help to protect from malnutrition. In this presentation, results of a brief intervention to improve dietary resilience and nutrition risk in older adults living in Alberta and self-isolating because of the COVID-19 pandemic will be discussed.