Better Nutrition, Better Results: Supporting Older Adults Through Practical Education

Better Nutrition, Better Results: Supporting Older Adults Through Practical Education
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Why Nutrition Shapes the Future of Healthy Aging

Nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining strength, independence, and overall wellness as we age. From supporting heart health to preventing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, what older adults eat directly influences their quality of life. Yet, many still lack access to nutrition education tailored to their unique needs.

Research shows that adequate protein intake—including from plant-based sources—can help preserve muscle mass and energy levels in older adults (NIH Study). For organizations serving this population, equipping members with the knowledge and confidence to make healthy food choices is not just beneficial—it’s essential for preventive care and reducing healthcare costs.

Barriers to Healthy Eating for Older Adults

Even when older adults want to eat better, they often face significant challenges:

  • Lack of Practical Knowledge – Many are unsure how to prepare nutritious meals or integrate newer options like plant-based proteins into their diets.
  • Food Insecurity – Fixed incomes can limit access to high-quality foods, especially protein-rich options.
  • Health Restrictions – Conditions like hypertension or high cholesterol may require dietary changes that feel unfamiliar or daunting.
  • Cooking Confidence – Limited experience with modern cooking techniques or dietary trends can make change overwhelming.

As highlighted by the Journal of Human Nutrition and Food Science, overcoming these barriers is crucial for promoting long-term health and independence.

Why Nutrition Education Matters for Organizations and Older Adults

For Medicare Advantage plans, AAA programs, SNAP, and other food-as-medicine initiatives, nutrition education directly supports key priorities:

  • Improves Member Health and Satisfaction – Teaching older adults about balanced meals and alternatives like plant-based proteins helps them stay healthy and engaged.
  • Encourages Preventive Care – Equipping members to make healthier choices reduces hospital visits and costly interventions.
  • Supports Food Security and Affordability – Affordable, plant-powered meals using lentils, beans, and tofu help stretch budgets while delivering key nutrients.
  • Reduces Cost of Care – Better nutrition leads to fewer complications from chronic conditions, helping health plans control spending on emergency and acute care.
  • Enhances Member Retention and Loyalty – Offering practical, lifestyle-focused programs makes older adults feel supported and valued, improving retention and satisfaction scores.
  • When older adults learn practical strategies to enhance their nutrition, organizations see better adherence to wellness plans, stronger engagement, and measurable outcomes in cost and care quality.

    How GetSetUp Supports Better Nutrition for Healthy Aging

    GetSetUp offers interactive classes that help older adults build confidence in the kitchen. For example, Plant-Based Proteins Made Simple shows participants how to incorporate affordable, high-protein foods like lentils, tofu, and quinoa into everyday meals—supporting heart health, energy, and muscle strength.

  • Bundled Nutrition Tracks – Other classes like Cooking for Heart Health, Easy Meals on a Budget, and Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Active Aging create bundled nutrition tracks to promote better eating habits.
  • Tailored for Older Adults – Designed with practical tips, mobility-friendly methods, and meal planning for chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
  • Interactive and Supportive – Live, interactive sessions build confidence and community, boosting participation, adherence, and member satisfaction.
  • By making nutrition education accessible and engaging, GetSetUp helps organizations empower older adults to make lasting lifestyle changes while supporting key health outcomes.

    How to Get Started with GetSetUp

    Implementing GetSetUp's programs to enhance the well-being of your members is a streamlined process:

    Step 1: Select Programs Aligned with Member Needs: Identify and prioritize the programs that address your members' specific challenges and goals:

    • Digital and Health Literacy: Enhance members' understanding of technology and health information.
    • Fall Prevention: Provide strategies to reduce the risk of falls among older adults.
    • Chronic Disease Management: Support self-management of chronic conditions.
    • Independence and Self-Management: Promote skills that enable autonomous living.
    • Caregiving Support: Offer resources for those caring for loved ones.
    • Health Equity Programming: Ensure inclusive health education for all demographics.
    • Social Connectedness: Foster community to combat social isolation.
    • Mental Enrichment: Provide opportunities for cognitive stimulation and growth.

    Step 2: Determine Integration Level : Choose how to incorporate GetSetUp into your existing infrastructure:

    • Hosted by GetSetUp: Utilize a dedicated URL and landing page managed by GetSetUp.
    • Embedded Integration: Seamlessly embed classes within your health plan's member portal for a cohesive user experience. Digital Health Platform for Active Agers

    Step 3: Customize the Program for Your Organization: Tailor the offerings to reflect your organization's identity and meet member preferences:

    • Class Selection: Choose specific classes and determine the frequency to align with member interests.
    • Curated Series: Develop targeted class series that support your organization's priorities.
    • Engagement Tools: Implement notifications and reminders to encourage participation and discovery.
    • Feedback Mechanisms: Incorporate surveys to gather member insights and assess satisfaction.
    • Multilingual Options: Offer classes in multiple languages to cater to diverse member populations.
    • Brand Integration: Apply your organization's branding, including colors and design elements, for a consistent look and feel.

    Step 4: Experience a Live Demonstration: Collaborate with GetSetUp to create a mock-up of the customized platform:

    1. Review and Test: Assess the tailored platform to ensure it meets your expectations and member needs.
    2. Provide Feedback: Share insights to refine the platform for optimal engagement.

    Schedule a Consultation: Contact GetSetUp to discuss implementation details and address any questions. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit GetSetUp Partner Page.

    Bring GetSetUp to your organization

    We partner with Medicare Advantage plans, dual eligible plans,  healthcare providers, Departments of Health & Human Services, Government aging services and more.