Abstract
One of every two older Americans is at risk for malnutrition. Despite a cadre of evidence-based programs (EBP) available to older adults nationwide, few specifically focus on nutrition and malnutrition prevention. Because EBP have defined implementation parameters and cannot be substantially altered, pairing brief interventions to EBP (as a session zero) is a promising strategy to introduce additional content and build relevant skills. In the context of Stepping Up Your Nutrition (SUYN), a 2.5-hour workshop to reduce malnutrition risk, the purpose of this session is to describe an innovative method of joining a brief intervention with two EBP (i.e., Stepping On and Chronic Disease Self-Management Program) to increase positive nutrition behavior among older adults and enhance EBP workshop attendance. As part of this ongoing project, a total of 42 SUYN facilitators have been trained with the capacity to deliver workshops in 11 counties. All SUYN participants complete a validated nutrition risk self-assessment and grip strength test prior to EBP enrollment. Assessments are collected again after the EBP concludes. Pilot phase data indicates nearly 1/3 of participants were at risk for malnutrition and unaware that malnutrition increased fall-related risk and complicated management of chronic conditions. Linking a brief malnutrition prevention intervention to EBP can bolster basic nutrition skills among older adults to assist them gain stronger benefits from EBP. This session will describe the evaluation instruments and protocols developed to assess fidelity and determine the effectiveness of SUYN. Outcomes related to malnutrition prevention, awareness, and action will also be presented.