An older adult woman sits at a table. She is holding a spoon and a fork above a bowl of healthy-looking food. There is also a glass of water on the table. She is smiling at the camera.
Getting the proper nutrition can be difficult, but it’s especially challenging for older adults who are aging in place. Here are ways seniors can get nutrition assistance at home. Photo Credit: iStock.com/pocketlight

Eating healthy is important at every age, but it’s not always easy, especially for seniors living at home. Cooking for one can be surprisingly hard, and mobility challenges can make it even more difficult. Slowed metabolism, decreased ability to absorb nutrients, chronic conditions, and certain medications all can have an effect on older adults’ ability to receive proper nutrition. There are ways you can maintain healthy eating habits on your own, but you can also access specialized nutrition assistance for seniors. Here, we go over some options to help you eat well while you age in place. 

Nutritionists or dietitians

Dietary needs change with age, and getting the right nutrition can be more challenging for older adults. A nutritionist or dietitian can give advice on which foods to eat more of and which foods to avoid depending on your nutritional needs, preferences, age, and medical history.

Here are a few options for speaking with a dietitian or nutritionist:

Short-term meal assistance from friends or family

Life events like surgery, illness, or the loss of a caregiver can temporarily prevent a senior from eating proper meals. In these cases, short-term assistance from friends and family can be a big help. Meal Train can be a helpful tool in these situations: It is an online platform or app where family, friends, and neighbors can coordinate meal drop-offs during times of need. 

Meal and grocery delivery services

For older adults who struggle with cooking or shopping and need more consistent help, several meal and grocery delivery services can help ensure they have regular access to nutritious food. Programs like Meals on Wheels deliver low-cost or free meals for seniors with financial or mobility challenges. Other services like Mom’s Meals, Silver Cuisine, and Magic Kitchen offer specialized meal plans tailored to health needs. You may qualify for free meals through your Medicaid policy, or you can use a prepaid benefit card from your insurance provider. 

For those who prefer to cook but need help with shopping, grocery delivery services can be a great help. For example, Instacart is a popular grocery delivery service that also provides special senior support.

There are also meal kit options that require some preparation and cooking, but they deliver exactly what you need for complete meals, so there’s no need to shop for or measure ingredients.

Here are some meal kit delivery services:

Keep in mind that although some meal kit companies offer good deals and discounts, they aren’t senior-focused, which means you can’t qualify for free meals and they do not accept Medicaid.

Congregate meal programs

Congregate meal programs provide meals to older adults in group settings. It’s a bit like eating in a restaurant, but meals are often discounted or free. In addition, because they focus on providing food to older adults, congregate meals offer an excellent opportunity for seniors to expand their social circle and meet new friends. These programs are designed to support both physical and emotional well-being by encouraging interaction and friendship.

Meal offerings vary by location. Some provide daily lunches, while others may also serve breakfast or dinner on select days or during special events. Common locations offering congregate meals include:

  • Senior centers.
  • Community centers.
  • Churches.
  • Senior housing facilities.

Government food assistance programs

Keeping nutritious food at home can be a challenge for seniors living on a fixed budget. For seniors facing financial challenges, several government programs offer essential support:

You can also look into locally funded programs near where you live. Most communities have food banks, and many states have their own programs to provide food and nutrition assistance to senior residents. These programs can significantly reduce food insecurity and make healthy eating more affordable.

Nutrition assistance can help seniors age in place

Accessing healthy foods and cooking at home can be a surprising challenge for older adults. The good news is that there are options for nutrition assistance for seniors that can help you get the right foods for your specific needs and budget. With a mix of professional services, community support, and government programs, the ideas on this list are all great ways to get the food you need to remain healthy as you age in place.