George recently turned 75 and has been feeling depressed and lonely since his wife passed away last year. His nutrition & health have suffered as a result, as he doesn’t have the motivation to cook healthy meals. Which of the following would be the best idea for him?

• A. Enrolling in the Meals on Wheels program.
• B. Attending Congregate Meals at the local community center.
• C. Ordering take-out meals so he doesn’t have to cook.
• D. Only buying frozen or microwave meals so it’s easier for him to prepare food.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the problem context — George is an elderly individual experiencing depression and loneliness, which negatively impacts his nutrition and health due to lack of motivation to cook healthy meals.
2. Step 2: Identify the goals — The main goals are to improve George's nutritional intake and also address his social and emotional well-being.
3. Step 3: Evaluate each option based on these goals: Meals on Wheels provides meal delivery but limited social interaction; ordering take-out or frozen meals may not ensure balanced nutrition and does not address loneliness; attending Congregate Meals offers both nutritious meals and social engagement.
4. Step 4: Recognize that social interaction is important for mental health, especially in older adults, and that programs like Congregate Meals at community centers provide opportunities for socializing while receiving balanced meals.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best idea is the option that combines nutritional support with social engagement, which is attending Congregate Meals at the local community center.