Implementing Nutrition Education Programs in Congregate Dining Service Settings: A Scoping Review.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Congregate dining service (CDS) settings are crucial for older adults' nutritional well-being.
• Nutrition education programs in CDS have the potential to enhance healthy eating behaviors.
• Limited understanding exists regarding the specific programs and implementation factors in CDS settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of nutrition education programs in CDS settings.
• To examine program characteristics, implementation barriers, and facilitators.
• To identify opportunities for enhancing program implementation.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review methodology was employed.
• Literature search conducted between January 2000 and 2020.
• Databases searched include CINAHL, SocINDEX, MEDLINE, AgeLine, and Academic Search Complete.

Main Results:

• Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria.
• Most programs featured trained facilitators, interactive activities, and multimedia materials.
• Program adaptation to older adults' needs supported implementation, while resource limitations and low health literacy posed challenges.

Conclusions:

• Purposeful strategies are needed to support nutrition education in CDS for the growing older adult population.
• Further research should focus on effective methods to overcome implementation barriers in CDS settings.
• Enhancing nutrition education programming in CDS is vital for addressing the health and nutritional needs of older adults.