According to the US Census Bureau, in Hopkins County, there are more than 2900 people over the age of 60 and over 1300 live alone.   This can create great challenges for those individuals in regards to their overall health; primarily their physical health, mental health, and nutritional needs

The Nutrition Education Program in Hopkins County lead a class that focuses on healthy eating, budgeting and food safety in partnership with the Dawson Springs Senior Center, it consisted of 8 senior citizens.  Throughout the series of lessons, 85% of those clients have shown a positive improvement in their overall diet; meaning that they are either consuming more fruits and/or vegetables, consuming more dairy or limiting added fats, sugars and sodium.  Also, 60% are avoiding adding salt to their cooking and reading food labels.  These improvements are great successes but the relationships that have formed within this group is a much larger reason to celebrate.  These clients come to hear new information about eating healthy, but they also come for the social aspect that the meetings provide.  One client states, “This program gives me something to look forward to.”   This program has given them an opportunity create new relationships with others who share a common interest; taking care of themselves for the years to come.