Emeritus 10,000 Meals in 60 Days Program On Track for Goal

SEATTLE, April 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Midway through an initiative by Emeritus Senior Living designed to feed 10,000 senior citizens in 60 days, the program is on course to achieving its goal.  As of April 1, 4,390 meals had been delivered to seniors in 45 states. Officials with Emeritus say they're confident of reaching the 10,000-meal target by the program's conclusion at the beginning of May.

The "10,000 Meals in 60 Days" initiative was launched during National Nutrition Month in response to statistics showing the prevalence of malnutrition among older people. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, nearly one in 10 seniors in America suffers from poor nutrition.Poor nutrition can worsen problems already common among seniors, including depression, improper healing, and a depressed immune system. As part of delivering a nutritious meal to seniors' homes, the Emeritus team is providing a companionable visit and opportunity to socialize.

"This is very important since a number of seniors suffering from malnutrition don't feed themselves properly because they feel lonely and are depressed," said Steve Sacco, Senior Director of Dining Services for Emeritus. "Isolation is literally harming their health. For other seniors, lack of financial resources or transportation to the grocery store may be the culprits."

The response to the 10,000 Meals in 60 Days initiative has been gratifying, Sacco said.

"It has been a real honor to serve so many seniors and get to know them. With the initiative continuing through May 1, there is still time for the public to contact us to recommend a senior for a meal and we ask that people please do so."

To suggest a senior for a meal, contact your nearest Emeritus community, which can be found at www.emeritus.com.

About Emeritus Senior Living

Emeritus Senior Living is the nation's largest assisted living and memory care provider, with the ability to serve nearly 50,000 residents. More than 30,000 employees support over 480 communities throughout 45 states coast to coast. Emeritus offers the spectrum of senior residential choices, care options and life enrichment programs that fulfill individual needs and promote purposeful living throughout the aging process. Its experts provide insights on senior living and care at www.Emeritus.com. Emeritus' common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ESC.

CONTACT: MaryBeth Dagg
Emeritus Senior Living
206-204-6027
[email protected] 

SOURCE Emeritus Senior Living