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The elderly nutrition program: an effective national framework for preventive nutrition interventions
Barbara E Millen1, James C Ohls, Michael Ponza
1Boston University School of Public Health, Mass 02118, USA.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|February 16, 2002
Summary
The Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) effectively improves nutritional health and socialization for older adults. This federal program efficiently delivers community- and home-based services, serving as a model for preventive nutrition interventions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health Nutrition
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) is the oldest federal framework for community- and home-based preventive nutrition and health services for older adults.
- A 1992 Congressional mandate prompted an evaluation of the ENP's effectiveness, targeting, costs, and policy implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Elderly Nutrition Program's (ENP) impact on nutritional health and socialization among older adults.
- To assess the targeting efficiency and cost-effectiveness of ENP nutrition services.
- To identify policy implications for preventive nutrition interventions for the elderly.
Main Methods:
- A nationally representative sample of ambulatory and homebound ENP participants and a matched group of nonparticipants were studied.
- Data collection involved in-home interviews assessing demographics, health, anthropometry, physical functioning, nutrient intake, socialization, and ENP service utilization.
- Administrative and service delivery data were collected from all levels of the ENP infrastructure.
Main Results:
- ENP participants demonstrated significantly better nutritional status (4%-31% higher nutrient intake) and socialization (17% higher social contacts) compared to nonparticipants (P<.001).
- The program serves approximately 7% of the older population, including 20% of poor elders, indicating effective targeting.
- Federal ENP spending is leveraged by other funding sources, more than doubling the provided nutrition services.
Conclusions:
- The Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) is a well-targeted, effective, and efficient federal initiative for delivering community- and home-based nutrition services to older adults.
- ENP's infrastructure serves as a valuable model for preventive nutrition interventions for at-risk ambulatory and homebound elderly populations.
- The program's success highlights the importance of integrated nutrition and health services for aging populations.
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