SENIORS who have face-to-face contact with people delivering their daily meals feel less lonely and safer and are less likely to experience falls or hospitalisation, a United States researcher told the Australian Meals on Wheels Association conference in South Australia last week.
Dr Kali Thomas' research for Brown University looked at the effect of home meal delivery on quality of life for older people, beyond providing essential nutrition.
A randomised trial of three groups at eight locations across America compared the experiences of people who had fresh meals personally delivered daily with those who received frozen bulk drops or remained on the waiting list.
Seniors living alone who received daily home deliveries experienced significant benefits over a 15-week period.
Thomas said she conducted the research to test observations made while she volunteered as a meals on wheels driver.
"My granny, who lived to be 98 years old while still independent in her home, was grateful for the meals and enjoyed the visits with her meals delivery person," she said.
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"It was because of her experience that I began volunteering and had the opportunity to witness firsthand the benefits that Meals on Wheels provides.
"Our research supports the hypothesis that the delivery, in addition to the meal itself, has numerous positive impacts on clients' lives."
Dr Thomas was part of a world-class team of industry experts in meal delivery, community services, nutrition and ageing who addressed the conference.
A visiting delegation from Meals on Wheels Japan also attended and toured kitchens at Warradale, Mitcham and Happy Valley to see the work of Meals on Wheels SA volunteers.
Meals on Wheels SA chief executive Sharyn Broer said volunteers knew Meals on Wheels was "more than just a meal".
"Living at home independently for as long as possible is precious," she said.
"The Meals on Wheels service has assisted generations of Australians for more than 60 years, and will continue to do so for many more."
Australian Meals on Wheels Association president Nelson Mathews said the past year had been challenging for the organisation.
"In terms of keeping up with aged care reforms and the new Commonwealth Home Support Program, the strength and lobbying power of the association has never been more important," he said.
Meals on Wheels has more than 75,000 volunteers nationally.
Contact www.mealsonwheels.org.au
