OBESITY CARE IN PRIMARY CARE - Implementing the GSA KAER Toolkit for Older Adults

Sep 28, 2026

Background: Obesity affects nearly 40% of U.S. adults aged 65+ and worsens cardiovascular disease, diabetes, functional decline, and quality of life. Age-related physiological changes, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy complicate management. The Gerontological Society of America’s KAER (Kickstart, Assess, Evaluate, Refer) Toolkit provides structured guidance for primary care providers. Methods: A quality improvement project ran in a geriatric primary care clinic from Sept 2023 to Jun 2025, using KAER in routine visits for patients aged 65+. Results: Among 41 patients, 34% had obesity, mostly class I; 71% needed help with instrumental activities and frequent depression (86%) and cognitive impairment (64%). Comorbidities and vitamin D deficiency were common. Conclusions: The toolkit enabled systematic, age-sensitive obesity care with earlier identification, targeted intervention, and coordinated referral.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

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Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

1190 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.3983 OBESITY CARE IN PRIMARY CARE: IMPLEMENTING THE GSA KAER TOOLKIT FOR OLDER ADULTS Anna Pendrey1, Triccia Aparicio2, Miguel Paz2, Mariel Zelaya2, Samir Cabrera3, Javier Sevilla1, Paola Rodriguez1, and Omar Suazo3, 1. Indiana University, Zionsville, Indiana, United States, 2. Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras, Zionsville, Indiana, United States, 3. UNITEC, Zionsville, Indiana, United States Background Obesity affects nearly 40% of US adults aged ≥65 years and contributes to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, functional decline, and reduced quality of life. Age-related physiological changes, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy complicate obesity management. The Gerontological Society of America’s KAER (Kickstart, Assess, Evaluate, Refer) Toolkit offers structured, age-appropriate guidance for primary care providers. Methods This quality improvement project was conducted in a geriatric primary care clinic from September 2023 to June 2025. The KAER Toolkit was used in routine visits for patients aged ≥65 years. Providers were trained to discuss weight without stigma, assess body composition and comorbidities, evaluate contributing factors, and refer patients. Data on screening, provider engagement, and referrals were analyzed. Results Among 41 older adult patients, 34% were identified with obesity, predominantly females aged 66–70 years. Most had class I obesity. Patients were diverse, with Hispanic (43%) and African American (36%) representation. Functional assessments showed that while most remained independent in basic activities of daily living, 71% required assistance with instrumental activities. High rates of depression (86%) and cognitive impairment (64%) were observed, along with prevalent comorbidities such as hypertension (93%), chronic kidney disease (86%), and hyperlipidemia (71%). Nutritional deficiencies were prevalent, with 64% deficient in vitamin D. Conclusions The GSAKAER Toolkit facilitated systematic, age-sensitive obesity management in primary care. Its user-friendly design supports early identification, targeted intervention, and coordinated care for obesity in older adults.

FAQs

What does the GSA KAER Toolkit target in primary care for older adults?

It provides structured, age-appropriate guidance for providers to kickstart obesity discussions, assess relevant measures and comorbidities, evaluate contributing factors, and refer patients for coordinated care.

How was the quality improvement project conducted and over what time period?

It was conducted in a geriatric primary care clinic from September 2023 to June 2025, using the KAER Toolkit during routine visits for patients aged 65 and older.

What were the key findings about obesity prevalence and patient needs?

Among 41 older adult patients, 34% were identified with obesity, predominantly class I. While most remained independent in basic daily activities, 71% needed assistance with instrumental activities, with high rates of depression and cognitive impairment.

Sep 28, 2026

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