With the aging of the US Population, increased attention is being given to delivering health and realted services to older persons in the community.

The US Administration on Aging's Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) provided MAFS with a grant to support nutrition services to older people. This program is valid for thouse who fulfill the following critaria

Many seniors today are of course, healthy, independent and well-norished. Some of our older loved ones, however, have health and functional issues that can make it difficult for them to obtain adequate nourishment. It is important for caregivers to be aware of their loved one's nutritional needs and status, because in older adults poor health and poor nutrition often becomes a vicious circle inadequate nutrition can lead to or worsen illness, and illness causes a decrease in appetite and food consumption.

As we age,we generally need fewer calories to maintain our body weight, our lean body mass (muscle) decreases and our metabolic rate slows down and burns calories more slowly. Nevertheless, although the amount of calories that seniors need decreases, we still need the same amount (if not more) of protein, vitamins and minerals. According to the American Dietetic Association, approximately 85 percent of old Americans are at risk for malnutrition.

Older adults run the risk for malnutrition for many different reasons, including normal physiological changes due to aging (Such as decreasing sense of smell and taste; research indicates that by age 75, people have only half as many taste buds as they did at 30), illness, grief and depression.

Some of the effects of malnutrition in the elderly include anemia, weakness, fatigue, infections, fractures and cognitive abnormalities. Symptoms of malnutrition include:

• Weight Loss
• Muscle Wasting
• Sparse, Dull Hair
• Poor Wound Healing
• Cognitive Impairment
• Weak Cough
• Decreased Grip Strength

So to make sure that our seniors are getting all the malnutritions they need, Metropolitan Asian Family Services offer a nutrition program for free at site of MAFS. Elderly above 60 can visit us at MAFS and enjoy the fresh cooked nutritious food from Monday to Saturday.