Gaps in Governmental Nutrition Support for the Malnourished Older Adult: A Case Study Using the Agent Based Approach (ABA)

Malnutrition and poor dietary habits are a major concern for home-bound, socially isolated older adults. The Systems Thinking ABA approach was employed to examine the gaps within governmental nutrition assistance in the older adult aging-in-place community. Governmental nutrition assistance programs aim to reduce food insecurity in this population, but fail to address mental health’s negative effects on dietary habits. Developing effective governmental and community programming surrounding dietary habits, social facilitation and social support can improve dietary habits and dietary intake in the older adult community.