Nourishing Lives, Enriching Years: How One Dietitian's Mission Is Transforming Senior Health on the Gulf Coast

As we age, nutrition becomes more important than ever. Proper nourishment fuels not just the body but also the mind, supporting independence, vitality, and overall well-being. For older adults on the Gulf Coast, COASTseniors.org is making a real difference—thanks in large part to the dedicated work of their Registered Dietitian, Judith Roberts.

Nutrition: The Foundation for Longevity and Wellness Judith Roberts, or "Judy" as many affectionately know her, brings a deeply personal and passionate approach to senior nutrition. Inspired by her father's heart attack when she was just 20, Judy made it her mission to help others understand the role of diet in preventing chronic illness and supporting long-term health. Today, she leads COAST's nutrition efforts with wisdom, empathy, and decades of experience.

Meet Judy Roberts: COAST's Dedicated Nutritionist Judy graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Nutrition, Foodservice, and Dietetics. Her professional background spans a wide variety of settings—from acute and chronic hospitals to sports nutrition, behavioral health, pediatric care, grocery tours, and private practice. She's worked across Louisiana and Mississippi in both the public and private sectors, offering expertise in everything from menu planning to clinical research.

At COAST, she combines all of that experience to guide older adults toward better eating habits tailored to their health conditions, lifestyles, and needs. Her belief is simple but powerful: nutrition can be the center of the plate—not just for health, but for family and connection.

How COAST Supports Senior Health COASTseniors.org offers a comprehensive range of services to support aging adults, with nutritional wellness at the heart of many programs. Whether through meal planning support, dietary consultations, or educational outreach, Judy ensures that seniors receive guidance rooted in both science and compassion.

COAST's nutrition program focuses on:

• Healthy eating for chronic condition prevention and management

• Encouraging balanced meals for independence and vitality

• Making food shopping and label reading accessible for seniors

• Building a sense of community around mealtimes

A Personal Mission Becomes a Ministry Outside of her professional life, Judy and her husband Steve enjoy family time and swimming. Their children, Richard and Melody, are thriving in their respective careers in hospitality and medicine—testaments to the strong foundation Judy has built at home.

Today, Judy is also working to grow the Waldheim Community Church, viewing her work in nutrition as a spiritual calling. In her own words, "God put nutrition in my life to be a lifelong ministry."

Conclusion: For seniors across the Gulf Coast, nutrition isn't just about what's on the plate—it's about living a longer, fuller life. Thanks to Judy Roberts and COASTseniors.org, older adults have a trusted ally in their health journey. Whether it's reducing the risk of illness, improving energy levels, or simply enjoying meals with loved ones, the right nutrition can transform lives—and that's exactly what Judy continues to do with dedication and heart.