The trend of population aging has long been predicted but is now a reality. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the number of persons ages 65 and older will reach 80.8 million by 2040 (up from 54.1 million in 2019), and the 85 and older population is projected to more than double to 14.4 million by 2040 (up from 6.6 million in 2019).
These shifts will impact nearly every aspect of society, from jobs and health care to family support and long-term care. How the nation navigates the changes associated with an aging population will no doubt cause debate, but one part of the healthy aging equation is certain—Food is Medicine strategies can help.
At its core, Food is Medicine advocates a connection between diet and disease treatment, management, and prevention. Interventions are evolving and include everything from pilot community projects to public health programs and for-profit investments.
Aging adults have unique nutritional needs that are critical for achieving health and cognitive outcomes, and quality of life. Adopting Food is Medicine approaches can benefit the health of aging Americans while providing opportunities for farmers to supply nutritious foods.
The 2022 White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health highlighted Food is Medicine as a key strategy. Following the conference, the federal government took specific actions to tackle hunger and nutrition insecurity, including an investment of $59.4 million into produce prescription and nutrition incentive programs and an announcement that Medicaid benefits may soon be spent on certain food programs.
The Rockefeller Foundation and the American Heart Association mobilized $250 million to build a national initiative to increase the understanding and use of Food is Medicine programs and make them part of the health care system.
In the private sector, the Kroger Co., the largest supermarket operator by revenue in the United States, responded through a Food is Medicine platform that features telenutrition with registered dietitian nutritionists and curated healthy food boxes. In 2024, Kaiser Permanente—the nation’s largest nonprofit, integrated healthcare provider—launched its Food Is Medicine Center of Excellence.
Food is Medicine interventions can support healthy aging with a variety of curated foods, including fruits, vegetables, and dairy foods that are culturally relevant, nutrient-dense, and shown to benefit older adults. With the population aging, this has never been more important. For food-insecure older adults, programs like these are critical to ensure access to various healthy foods.
Most older adults have at least one chronic health condition, and high healthcare costs and lack of access to services make it harder for them to receive adequate care. The National Cancer Institute projects that by 2040, nearly three-quarters of people living with cancer will be over age 65. In addition to chronic diseases, older adults have increased health risks related to cognition. Nutrition can play a key role in managing disease and maintaining quality of life.
Importantly for those producing and marketing food products, many older adults have purchasing power.
Originally published in Agri-Pulse. To read the article in it’s entirety visit: www.agri-pulse.com