MRAAA continues distribution of oral health kits for seniors

CURWENSVILLE, PA. – Continuing an award-winning program launched in 2020, the Mature Resources Area Agency on Aging is again distributing oral health kits to seniors in the area.  About 800 kits are provided to existing Meals on Wheels consumers each quarter through the Meals on Wheels and More program. Kits include toothbrushes, toothpaste, denture tablets, and oral health educational material.

According to Care Link, seniors are more likely to suffer from dental issues because they can be caused and complicated by certain medications and chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Dental health for seniors is a rising issue across the country. Dental benefits often end with retirement and aren’t covered by Medicare. Cognitive decline, physical disability, and lack of transportation all contribute to poor dental health in the senior population. One out of 2,600 people is hospitalized for dental infections every year in the United States.

In 2021, the agency was awarded the Aging Achievement Award from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging for the development of this program.

These packets were made possible by generous donations from the DuBois Area United Way, the Clearfield Area United Way, and members of the community to meet the needs of older adults, and, as a direct result of that support, will provide the tools older adults need to improve their oral health and dental issue prevention. Anyone interested in learning more about this county-wide initiative is encouraged to contact the MRAAA at 814-765-2696.

Programs and services of the agency are funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, Mature Resources Foundation, and local contributions.