A Population Facing Daily Health Challenges

The aging population is growing and changing. Older Americans are more likely to have multiple chronic conditions, like heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease, and, as families move apart, less likely to have nearby support. That’s where Meals on Wheels comes in for both seniors and their loved ones. 

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Meals on Wheels provides a sense of security, especially for homebound older adults, for whom the person delivering their meals might be the only person they see all week. This consistent and reliable check-in puts the minds of seniors and their loved ones at ease, knowing that if a health concern arises, someone will be there to observe and help. 

The power of Meals on Wheels service is more than a healthy meal and a friendly face. As trusted members of the community, Meals on Wheels providers are welcomed into the homes and lives of the seniors they serve, making them uniquely positioned to support well-being and healthy aging in place. 

Local providers are able to observe changes to physical and mental health conditions, identify risks before they become problems, address problems before they become health issues and avert health issues before they become catastrophic and costly. This can mean the difference between independent living at home and a transition to a costly long-term care facility. 

An Evidence-Based Solution

Research consistently reports that Meals on Wheels service:  

1. Reduces use of costly health care services  
2. Reduces nursing home use and increases ability to age in place 
3. Reduces health care costs  
4. Increases food security  
5. Improves diet quality  
6. Reduces or slows decline in nutritional risk  
7. Reduces social isolation and loneliness  
8. Reduces falls and increases home safety
   

Before receiving our meals, her cholesterol was through the roof, and she was diabetic. She did not feel well at all. Thanks to her diet change, she no longer has to take cholesterol medications, and her doctor now declared her pre-diabetic.

– Meals on Wheels provider

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These remarkable outcomes are attributed to the profound impact of Meals on Wheels on critical aspects of older adults’ well-being, including food security, diet quality, nutritional status, social isolation, loneliness and falls/home safety — factors that significantly contribute to health care use and costs.  

By fostering social connections, providing safety checks and delivering nutritious meals, Meals on Wheels supports older adults to maintain their health, independence and ability to age in their own homes and communities.