1. Older Americans Re-authoraization Act 2015
Chelsie Cryer

2. Why is this important? Keep seniors healthy and independent
Cost-effective
OAA nutrition programs provide nutritionally-balanced meals to a vulnerable population.
Older adults with good nutritional status are less likely to acquire infections if hospitalized.
Proper nutrition, including protein, vitamin D and calcium, prevents brittle bones that can easily be broken during a fall.
The cost of one day in a hospital is the same as the cost of one year of home-delivered meals.
OAA programs are rooted in state and local efforts; for every federal dollar spent on OAA programs, state and local contributions generate three more dollars.

3. What impact does this have?
Data from the Administration on Aging's 2009 national survey of elderly program participants found that 73% of congregate and 85% of home-delivered meal participants report eating healthier meals as a result of their participation in the programs. 
58% of congregate meal recipients and 93% of home-delivered meal recipients say that the meals enabled them to continue living in their own homes.
OAA programs have increased efficiency by over 36% between fiscal year 2002 and fiscal year 2009.

4. Role RDs play
Increase in opportunities for RDs as legislature increases funding for meal programs for the elderly. Services include nutrition education and screening, assessment and nutrition counseling.
Nutrition counseling and MNT have been shown to slow the progression of and reduce symptoms of chronic disease.
The Academy supports the inclusion of nutritional assessment and counseling in the reauthorization of OAA. This will ensure that qualified professionals work together to produce cost-effective nutrition services and evidence-based programs.

5. Key Points
OAA programs provide critical services, including healthy meals, to older adults who might otherwise be at risk of malnutrition. About 1 in 5 older adults are served annually by OAA programs.
A varied, healthy diet that takes into account the particular nutritional needs of older Americans keeps older adults healthy and independent.
Nutrition therapy and interventions are cost-effective:
The cost of one day in a hospital is roughly the same cost as providing a patient with one year of meals through OAA nutrition programs.
The cost of one month in a nursing home is the same cost as providing an OAA nutrition client with mid-day meals, five days per week, for seven years.
As primary prevention and health promotion, MNT delivered by RDNs as part of OAA nutrition programs lessens chronic disease risk and addresses nutrition problems that can lead to more serious and costly conditions and adverse effects.

6. References
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