By Angela Velasquez
Area Agency on Aging of Dane County

In Dane County, the Senior Nutrition Program is one of the cornerstones for aging well in our community. According to the National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging, healthy eating can help seniors increase mental acuteness, resistance to illness and disease, energy levels, immune system strength, recuperation speed, and the effectiveness of chronic health problem management. The National Institute on Aging says eating a well-planned, balanced mix of foods every day has many health benefits. For instance, eating well may reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, bone loss, cancer and anemia. If you already have one or more of these chronic diseases, eating well and being physically active may help you better manage them.

Healthy eating may also help you reduce high blood pressure, lower high cholesterol and manage diabetes. Eating well gives you the nutrients needed to keep your muscles, bones and organs healthy throughout your life. These nutrients include vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, fats and water.

For nearly 40 years, Dane County has invested in community senior dining sites and Meals on Wheels programs. In a 2014 survey of meal participants, 69 percent of senior dining site participants indicated it is the only hot meal they eat each day, and 50 percent of Meals on Wheels participants report the volunteer delivering the meal is the only person they see each day. These meals provide a safety net for our most vulnerable seniors, provide a life-line to the community, and support a person’s ability to remain at home instead of in a long-term care facility.

Many of the 25 senior dining sites throughout Dane County offer a weekly salad option, vegetarian option, and a variety of entrées that are nutritious and meet at least one-third of the dietary requirements for healthy aging. They are located in community centers, senior centers, senior housing complexes, churches and restaurants. All sites are open to persons age 60 and older.

For help in locating a site near you, call the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Dane County at 240-7400. Join us in aging well by eating right.