Characteristics of Older Adults on Waiting Lists for Meals on Wheels: Identifying Areas for Intervention

The purpose of this study was to characterize the population of seniors on Meals on Wheels' (MOW) waiting lists and identify their rate of depression, anxiety, falls, and fear of falling. Data come from surveys of 626 seniors on waiting lists across the country and the 2013 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Results suggest that seniors on waiting lists for MOW were more likely to be widowed, less educated, older, Black, Hispanic, and receive Medicaid than the population of community-dwelling older adults. In addition, 31% of seniors on MOW waiting lists were depressed, compared with 12% of seniors in the national population (p <.001), and 28% exhibited signs and symptoms of anxiety, compared with 10% of the national population of seniors (p <.001). Seniors on waiting lists were significantly more likely to have fallen in the last month and be fearful of falling than the national population of seniors (p <.001). Individuals on MOW waiting lists are a vulnerable and high-risk group. By seeking to better understand clients' needs, appropriate services can be tailored to promote independent living and improve older adults' well-being.