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Federal nutrition services for American Indian and Alaska native elders
1Administration on Aging, Washington, DC 20201.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|April 1, 1990
Summary
American Indian elders face significant poverty and reduced life expectancy. Federal nutrition programs, established by the Older Americans Act, aim to address these disparities by providing essential meals.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Gerontology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- American Indian and Alaska Native elders experience a 61% poverty rate.
- These elders have a life expectancy 3-4 years lower than the general U.S. older population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the role of the Older Americans Act in addressing the needs of American Indian elders.
- To highlight the provision of federal nutrition services for this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Review of legislative actions, specifically amendments to the Older Americans Act.
- Analysis of federal nutrition service delivery through Title III and Title VI.
Main Results:
- The Older Americans Act was amended to include specific provisions for American Indian elders starting in 1978.
- Federal nutrition services are delivered via Title III (Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging, Part C, Nutrition Services) and Title VI (Grants for Native Americans).
- In fiscal year 1987, over 52,000 American Indian and Alaska Native elders received meals through congregate and/or home-delivered programs.
Conclusions:
- The Older Americans Act plays a crucial role in supporting the nutritional needs of American Indian and Alaska Native elders.
- Continued legislative attention has been given to ensure these vulnerable populations receive adequate nutrition services.