Digital and Technology-Based Nutrition Interventions, Including Medically Tailored Meals (MTMs) for Older Adults in the U.S.-A Scoping Review

Top Things to Know

Leveraging technology for meal selection, tailoring, monitoring, and follow-up could modernize MTM delivery and expand its reach.

Integrating this counseling with MTM programs could strengthen FIM models by pairing medically appropriate meals with behavior-change support.

MTM programs that rely on digital tools will need user-friendly interfaces, device provision, tech support, and low‑bandwidth options to avoid worsening health disparities.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

This scoping review examined 16 U.S.-based digital and technology-supported nutrition interventions for adults aged ≥60 and found that most programs focused on nutrition education, counseling, self‑monitoring, or lifestyle change rather than medically tailored meals (MTMs). Telehealth was the most commonly used modality, followed by mobile apps, wearable devices, and online platforms, all of which supported remote counseling, monitoring, and engagement. Across studies, interventions generally demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability, with many reporting improvements in diet quality, adherence to healthy eating patterns, clinical measures (e.g., HbA1c, blood pressure), and functional performance. However, technology challenges, such as declining app use, low digital literacy, and limited device or internet access, were frequently cited barriers. Critically, the review found no digi‑tech MTM program designed and evaluated specifically for older adults in the U.S., revealing a major gap in Food is Medicine innovation. The authors conclude that hybrid models combining personalized human support with accessible digital tools may be best suited for older adults, and they call for research on digitally enabled MTM delivery.