ABSTRACT
Evidence suggests maintaining good nutritional status plays an important role in preventing or delaying chronic health issues. Furthermore, malnutrition has been reported to hinder older adults’ ability to age-in-place, which is of utmost importance for this population. Evidence shows rural older adults experience a higher prevalence of poor nutritional status, nutrient deficiencies, and unhealthy body weights. Lack of public transportation has often been reported by rural older adults as a barrier to consuming a healthful diet. Studies have indicated accessibility of healthful foods significantly increased rural older adults’ fruit and vegetable and low-fat dairy food intake. Rural older adults have also been reported to be at increased risk of poor nutritional status because of social isolation. S. H. Chen, H. Y. Cheng, Y. H. Chuang, and J. H. Shao reported rural older adults tend to have lower incomes, lower education levels, poorer perceived health, and increased risk for malnutrition.
