Good nutrition is critical to good health, age doesn’t matter.  Studies show that poor nutrition is the biggest threat to an aging adult’s independence.  According to the USDA Healthy Eating Index, Diet Quality of Older Americans the overall diet quality of Americans age 65 and older has not significantly improved in the last several years.  The report indicated to improve their diet quality, Americans need to increase their intakes of whole grains, dark green and orange vegetables, legumes, and milk; and eat fewer foods high in solid fats and added sugars. These changes, if made, would provide substantial health benefits.  However, many seniors do not know where to start with their nutrition plans.

The Gallatin County Extension Service collaborates with the Gallatin County Senior Center to conduct monthly nutrition education lessons in coordination with the USDA Dietary Guidelines and MyPlate.  Lesson topics thus far include: Nutrition Education Calendar,  Drink More Water, Water Taste Test, Oats and Eat a Healthy Breakfast, Pumpkin, Healthy Halloween and much more!

After follow up discussions and verbal evaluation with Senior Citizens, 100% of participants have reported learning/trying something new and 100% nutritional knowledge gained as a result of the monthly nutrition lessons.  Many participants report to using the recipes and sharing the nutritional information at home with their families.