Aging Well: Connecting Policy, Nutrition, and Community – with Bob Blancato

In this episode of Aging Well, Bob Blancato, national advocate for older adults and expert in nutrition and aging policy, explores the critical role nutrition plays in supporting healthy aging and strengthening communities.This episode examines how nutrition intersects healthcare, social services, and public policy, and why improving access to healthy food is essential for preventing chronic disease and promoting well-being among older adults. Listeners will gain insight into the growing “Food as Medicine” movement, the importance of nutrition security, and how programs like the Older Americans Act nutrition services help address both health and social isolation for older adults.Bob also shares perspectives on current policy developments, including efforts to expand medical nutrition therapy, strengthen community nutrition programs, and integrate social care services into healthcare systems. Throughout the conversation, he highlights how advocacy, education, and community engagement can help shape stronger nutrition policies and better outcomes for older adults.This conversation offers a thoughtful look at how better nutrition, stronger policy, and community advocacy can help ensure older adults have the support they need to age well.Resources:National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs - PODCASTBlog: Nutrition and Healthy Aging Featuring Bob Blancato - Alliance for Aging ResearchBasics of Congregate Nutrition Programs | acl.gov Basics of Home Delivered Meal Program | acl.govFood Is Medicine | odphp.health.govFood and Nutrition SecurityFood Assistance - SNAP Benefits for Older AdultsFood ParadigmOlder Americans Act Nutrition ProgramsOlder Americans Act: Summary in Brief | Congress.gov | Library of CongressDietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030 Innovation Insight: RFI Now Open for Comments on Potential Improvements to Medicare Advantage | CMSMake America Healthy Again (MAHA) | HHS.govMedical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2025 | Congress.gov | Library of CongressTreat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 | Congress.gov | Library of CongressFind a Federally Qualified Health Center Adult Obesity Facts | Obesity | CDCFacebook: facebook.com/AgeGuideTwitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcastPodcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcastWebsite: ageguide.org