( StatePoint ) Proper nutrition is critical to older adults ’ overall vitality , providing energy , helping to control weight , and even preventing and managing some diseases .

Unfortunately , 10 % of older people don ’ t eat enough , while one-third eat too much , according to HealthinAging . org , which is the Health in Aging Foundation ’ s

online public education resource . Such nutritional imbalances may be due to the range of common obstacles some people face as they age , including changing tastes , dental problems and difficulty accessing healthy foods .

“ Charles ,” a Cigna Healthcare Medicare Advantage ( MA ) customer , had several health issues when he was introduced

to a nutrition program available through his MA plan . Through the program , he worked with a registered dietitian , started working out , and lost nearly 50 pounds . These changes fueled him to tackle additional health goals , including getting mental health support and assistance improving his sleep .

MA plans , like those

offered by Cigna Healthcare , include “ extra benefits ” not available through Original Medicare . The Cigna Healthcare MA nutrition program is one of those extras , and it primarily supports older adults with a body mass index below 22 or above 40 , those with chronic diseases like diabetes and kidney disease , and those with low fruit and

22 SENIOR LIVING 2024