The Integrated Senior Foundation (ISF) has launched its Nutritional Food Sensitivity Awareness Program, now available at no cost to residents of ISF-owned communities and Insight Living managed properties, such as Tanner Spring. In collaboration with Precision Point and supported by Integrated Senior AI (ISAI), this initiative introduces a proactive, data-driven approach to enhancing resident health and safety.
Food sensitivities are not just a concern for children—nearly half of U.S. adults with allergies developed them later in life, with prevalence among seniors estimated at ≈8.8–9% [1–3]. In addition, up to 65% of Americans over 65 take multiple prescriptions, increasing the risk of food–drug interactions or cofactors like NSAIDs, which are associated with up to 25% of food-induced anaphylaxis cases [4–5]. Meanwhile, 36% of Americans experience lactose malabsorption, and about 1% live with undiagnosed celiac disease [6–7]. These numbers highlight the importance of proactive testing to distinguish allergies from intolerances, customize nutrition, and improve safety for residents.
With this program, ISF makes the process simple and provides testing free of charge to all eligible residents.
Why Now?
Residents often ask, “Why test now if I’ve always eaten the same foods?” The truth is that sensitivities can change over time. Age, new health conditions, and medications may all lead to new reactions. What was once a mild issue may now show up as fatigue, skin irritation, digestive problems, or breathing difficulties—commonly dismissed as “normal aging.” Identifying these sensitivities can greatly improve day-to-day comfort and quality of life.
Studies confirm that certain medications also impact how sensitivities present and their severity. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin can increase gut permeability, while beta-blockers may reduce the effectiveness of emergency epinephrine in severe reactions [8–9]. Coupled with polypharmacy and immune system changes in older adults, IgE testing becomes essential for ensuring safer care.
Resident Benefits
IgE testing is the recognized gold standard for detecting immune reactivity to food allergens and can uncover hidden sensitivities that might otherwise go unnoticed [3].
Residents will receive a clear, easy-to-understand report outlining their responses to 88 foods, grouped into:
- No Limitation
- Rotate
- Eliminate
For many, this information brings long-awaited clarity to persistent, unexplained symptoms. Over time, ISF intends to integrate these results into dining programs, tailoring menus and minimizing exposure to triggers.
Expert Perspectives
Through Precision Point Diagnostics, ISF provides a clinically validated IgE test that is simple, private, and reliable. These results allow residents and care teams to make informed adjustments to diets and medications for improved safety and comfort.
“Many residents think discomfort or new symptoms are just part of aging,” said Bryan Ziebart, CEO of Insight Living and ISF partner. “This program helps uncover hidden sensitivities and empowers residents with information to feel better every day.”
Yasaman Fatapour, PhD, explained: “Reliable IgE data for seniors on multiple medications is crucial. It helps clinicians identify risks, tailor prescriptions, and design dining plans that prevent reactions, improving safety overall.”
Regional Nurse Monica Chapman, RN, BSN, added: “I’m excited to support free food sensitivity testing. With this, we can personalize meals and medication plans based on real data. Even inactive ingredients can trigger problems, so understanding sensitivities helps us avoid unnecessary side effects and keep residents healthier.”
Technology in Action
ISAI powers the data integration and analysis that make these results actionable. By combining Precision Point’s testing with ISAI’s advanced systems, ISF ensures residents of Tanner Spring benefit from personalized, data-informed wellness strategies across assisted living and memory care settings.
All residents are encouraged to take advantage of this complimentary program by contacting their Executive Director.
Want More Information?
Contact us today to find out how this free food sensitivity program can improve comfort and everyday wellness.
References
1. Wang, J., & Sampson, H. A. (2019). Food allergy in older adults: epidemiology and challenges. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol, 19(3), 210–216. doi:
10.1097/ACI.0000000000000520
2. Warren, C. M., Jiang, J., & Gupta, R. S. (2021). Epidemiology and burden of adult-onset food allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract, 9(4), 1656–1665. doi:
10.1016/j.jaip.2020.11.005
3. Gupta, R. S., et al. (2019). Prevalence and severity of food allergies among US adults. JAMA Netw Open, 2(1):e185630. doi:
10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.5630
4. Kantor, E. D., et al. (2015). Trends in prescription drug use among adults in the United States from 1999–2012. JAMA, 314(17):1818–1831. doi:
10.1001/jama.2015.13766
5. Worm, M., et al. (2018). NSAIDs as cofactors in food-induced anaphylaxis. Allergy, 73(8):1561–1572. doi:
10.1111/all.13461
6. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Lactose intolerance. Reviewed March 2023.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance
7. Rubio-Tapia, A., et al. (2012). The prevalence of celiac disease in the United States. Am J Gastroenterol, 107(10):1538–1544. doi:
10.1038/ajg.2012.219
8. Maseda, D., & Ricciotti, E. (2020). NSAID–Gut Microbiota Interactions. Front Pharmacol, 11:1153. doi:
10.3389/fphar.2020.01153
9. Devlin, H. (2022). Food hypersensitivity in adults much more common than thought. The Guardian.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/dec/19/food-hypersensitivity-adults-more-common-uk
