People say that you are what you eat, and this is even truer for seniors more than anyone else.
A 2022 study published in the National Library of Medicine found that older adults are at a 4.3% lower risk of developing limitations on daily activities when they eat healthy.
A senior nutrition program can help those in independent living communities thrive!
Read on to learn:
- The basics of senior meal planning
- Why it’s important to create a nutrition plan
- What makes for a balanced senior diet
- How independent living communities can help residents stay healthy
What Is a Senior Nutrition Program?
A senior nutrition program works in several ways to help older adults eat healthier. They primarily provide nutritious meals to residents in independent living communities. These meals:
- Are well-balanced
- Have no preservatives or unnecessary chemicals
- Are made with fresh ingredients
- Taste great due to professional chef preparation
However, nutrition programs go beyond just serving nutrient-rich meals. They also provide nutrition screenings and assessments to those within the program.
This involves asking seniors about their diet and how they feel. Experts will listen to this information and assess how to improve everyone’s individual diets.
This means that older adults can get services like:
- Dietary education
- Counseling from trained professionals
- Assistance with meal planning
The Importance of Geriatric Nutrition Programs
Seniors in nutrition programs benefit from someone assisting them with wellness on multiple levels. From expert assessments of the current diet to future goal-setting, they’ll have support.
Some seniors need a diet that helps them lose or gain weight. Others will require more protein. Some will need vitamins and minerals that naturally promote great sleep.
By enrolling in a comprehensive nutrition program, older adults learn what they should prioritize in order to thrive.
Seniors will also get relevant information on:
- How to understand their own dietary needs
- Social opportunities during mealtimes
- Information on how food impacts their medication
There are a wide range of benefits to professionally-led meal programs. It goes beyond awareness and delicious meal prep.
Some advantages to keep in mind include:
- More energy after nutrient-rich meals
- Managed weight
- Healthier blood pressure
- Prevention of diseases like heart disease and diabetes
- Feeling fuller because of quality food
- Better brain and memory function
- A stronger immune system
- The desire to stay active
Senior nutrition programs can improve people’s quality of life. They may also help those investing in their wellness live longer. There’s a lot to gain from taking part in these programs!
What Makes a Nutritious Meal?
Part of senior nutrition planning is understanding what makes a meal “nutritious.” This is nuanced and varies from person to person.
However, a nutritious diet almost always includes:
- A well-balanced variety of foods
- Controlled portion sizes for weight management
- Healthy fats and oils like fish and olive oil
- Limited processed foods and fast foods
- Limited sugary drinks
- Whole grains and limited empty carbs
Balancing your diet is the #1 way to stay healthy in terms of eating. A professional in independent living can provide you with the guidance needed to create a balanced and healthy diet.
Protein
Protein is one of the most important parts of any diet. It builds muscle and repairs damaged tissue. It also maintains muscle mass so seniors can continue to feel energized and keep mobility up.
Protein is also responsible for boosting the immune system. Since seniors are more susceptible to illness than younger people, it’s especially important that they get an appropriate amount of protein.
There are multiple types of protein. Red meats like beef and pork aren’t as healthy as lean meats. Opt for lean protein-rich foods like:
- Grilled chicken
- Sliced turkey
- Fish
- Eggs
- Beans
- Nuts
Fiber
Fiber is important for anyone’s digestive health. Older adults can use fiber to stay regular. This means preventing constipation and diarrhea.
Digestive system regulation isn’t only important for comfort. It also improves your immune system since gut health is linked with holistic well-being. Pain and wellness professionals note that fostering good gut health can limit the probability of:
- Unhealthy weight
- Heart disease
- Immune system malfunction
- Anxiety
- Depression
Some fiber-rich foods for seniors include:
- Spinach
- Avocados
- Artichokes
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, etc)
- Root vegetables (carrots, radishes, etc)
- Chickpeas
- Berries, including strawberries and raspberries
The bottom line is that fruits and vegetables are important!
Essential Vitamins for Seniors
Seniors also need a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
Calcium and Vitamin D are among the most important. They contribute to bone health. To get these nutrients, consider low-fat dairy products and leafy greens.
Omega-3 fatty acids come from fatty fish, walnuts, and seeds. They support both cardiovascular wellness and brain function. This is critical in preventing senior cognitive decline.
Vitamin C is also important for healthy bones. Seniors can get this from citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. It also is present in many vegetables.
Finally, Vitamin B12 is essential for cognition. It also helps form red blood cells. It comes from lean meats and dairy.
Harvard University’s Healthy Eating Plate makes it easy to get a balanced array of vitamins and minerals. Make a quarter of your plate whole grains and another quarter protein. The remaining half should consist of fruits and vegetables.
Senior Meal Planning in Independent Living
Conservatory in Plano offers one of the best dining programs out there. Seniors in our communities can access Sensations Dining experiences.
In our Plano independent living community, residents get:
- Chef-prepared meals
- A wide range of menu options
- Restaurant-style dining
- Food that adheres to nutritional health standards
This is great because it promotes socialization with friends and community members in a beautiful dining area. It also ensures that residents eat healthy foods and meet all of their wellness goals.
Work Toward a Balanced Senior Diet
Now that you know the ins and outs of nutrient-rich meals, it’s time to prioritize finding an independent living community with a great senior nutrition program.
Conservatory at Plano offers nutrition and wellness plans for all residents. These plans are tailored to each resident’s individual needs. They work in conjunction with community exercises to keep each senior as fit and healthy as possible.
Schedule a tour of our Texas independent living community to learn more about our floor plans and wellness benefits!
