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October 4th-8th is Malnutrition Awareness Week™ (MAW).
Guest Post from our Dietitian/Nutritionist, Traci Robidoux, RD, LDN
Good afternoon! October 4th-8th is Malnutrition Awareness Week™ (MAW), which is an annual, multi-organizational campaign created to educate about early detection and treatment of malnutrition. 
Did you know that 50% of older adults are at risk for malnutrition?
Older adults (65yrs and older) are often more prone to malnutrition because aging may come with a cumulation of diseases and impairments, which may directly influence the balance between nutritional needs and actual nutrient intake.
Below are some selected risk factors for developing malnutrition:
| Chronic diseases | No longer able to prepare meals |
| Taking multiple medications (Polypharmacy) | Social isolation & limited social supports |
| Overly restrictive diets | Financial limitations |
| Poor dentition, trouble chewing | Lack of transportation to purchase food |
| Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia) |
Be a Nutrition Neighbor!
Also, check out ’s social media outlets for information on the #BeANutritionNeighbor campaign that started in MA during the pandemic. The Campaign recognized malnutrition among older adults as a serious problem in the state, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and encouraged people to stay connected in a socially distant way with the older adults in their life.
