IPA Researchers Highlight the Impact of Congregate Meals at Senior Centers

The Institute for Public Administration (IPA), a research and public service center in the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration, recently released a policy brief titled, The Role of Congregate Meals at Senior Centers — History, Trends, and Future Considerations. This brief, written by Julia O’Hanlon, IPA policy scientist, and Lindsay Prickett, IPA public administration fellow, highlighted key findings on how congregate meals positively impact Delaware’s aging population. Congregate meals are offered at senior centers and nonprofits, such as churches and community centers, to provide seniors with an opportunity to socialize and enjoy a nutritious meal. Seniors rely on these programs to enhance their social life, which has been linked to prolonged health. Social isolation has been found as a link between higher mortality rates resulting from negative impacts to one’s mental and physical health. Congregate meal programs offer a well-rounded support system to older adults who may not have regular access to a community of their own and need access to daily nutritional meals.

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Article by Sophonie Milord. Originally posted in UDaily's For the Record​.​​