Nutrition is an essential element in the health and well-being of seniors living in the community. Healthy, well-nourished seniors are more likely to feel good, stay well, maintain their independence, and contribute as vital members of their family and community.

Nutritional risk is common among seniors living in the community. A significant number of seniors who were screened were found to be at risk of compromised nutrition. The most frequent risks were related to low fruit and vegetable intake, special diet restrictions, poor appetite, and cooking and shopping difficulties. Nutrition screening enhances community appreciation of the nutrition concerns and challenges of seniors.

Nutrition screening raises "awareness" of the importance of nutrition among seniors and community service providers, and pinpoints the risk factors that need to be addressed. Early identification of nutrition related problems enables implementation of appropriate interventions before disability or illness occur. Nutrition screening helps communities focus their interventions, integrate service delivery, identify gaps in services, and take relevant action.

Planning of nutrition screening initiatives require an ethical approach
"Ethical" nutrition screening means that seniors identified to be at nutritional risk are 1) referred to services designed to meet their nutritional needs; and, 2) followed through the referral process to provide further support. Ethical nutrition screening is feasible in a variety of community settings and benefits from a collaborative, community-based approach.

• Home Care
• Flu Clinics
• Meals on Wheels & Congregate Dining
• Community Health Centres/Public Health
• Diabetes Education
• Seniors' Centres