According to the Harvard Medical School, about 50% of adults over 80 develop sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss. It can impact your quality of life, increasing your risk of disability, frailty, and loss of independence.
If you're not meeting elderly dietary needs by eating protein and other macronutrients, your risk of sarcopenia and other health issues may increase.
Before that happens, explore assisted living menus. A senior living community can offer healthy meal options that meet your needs.
How will senior nutrition plans improve your health and quality of life? Read on to find out!
Malnutrition is common in adults over age 65, according to Health in Aging. It may cause hospitalization, disability, and other health problems.
About one-third of people over the age of 65 overeat, while 10% of older adults don't eat enough. Following customized senior menus can help ensure you eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Here are a few benefits of choosing assisted living dining programs.
According to Current Aging Science, over 20% of the elderly population is at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Neglecting to meet your elderly dietary needs can lead to other deficiencies, increasing your risk of health issues.
Having a pre-existing health condition or taking medications that impact nutrient absorption may increase your risk. Your mental and physical health may decline, affecting your quality of life.
Before that happens, consult a doctor. They can take bloodwork to determine if you have a vitamin deficiency. These results can help you customize senior nutrition plans.
Your senior living community can determine what foods and meals meet your dietary needs. They may offer special-diet menu options, such as:
A nutritionist can adjust your plan based on food allergies or intolerances. If you have difficulty swallowing, they can recommend texture-modified foods instead.
Each menu will provide the vitamins and minerals you need to thrive. With assisted living dining options, you can maintain your weight, brain function, and independence.
You'll have peace of mind knowing you're choosing food options that align with your health needs. You'll also have access to professionals who can offer advice based on your health concerns and goals.
Your assisted living dining program will create balanced and varied meals. You won't have the stress of planning and preparing meals on your own.
They can provide diverse food options to ensure you eat a well-rounded diet. This can help you avoid monotony, which could cause you to avoid eating.
If you struggle to finish full meals, you can enjoy smaller, more frequent meals instead. Eating smaller portions more frequently may encourage regular eating habits.
Your senior living community will use seasonal ingredients when preparing your meals. Choosing fresh, seasonal produce can improve the flavor of each dish. Eating healthy, colorful produce can ensure you eat different vitamins and minerals.
Your senior living community can make these dishes visually appealing. This can stimulate your appetite and make meals more enjoyable.
Eating with other seniors can turn meals into a social activity. Remaining social can improve your mood and quality of life.
According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging by the University of Michigan, about one in three seniors report feeling isolated. Isolation can cause:
Communal dining experiences will encourage you to socialize. This can reduce feelings of isolation, benefiting your mental and physical health.
Your senior living community will organize special events throughout the year. You can celebrate holidays or enjoy themed dinners, making dining more engaging. If you need a break, you can enjoy in-room dining instead.
Relying on senior nutrition plans can enhance your mental and physical health. Here are a few benefits you may experience.
Balanced diets include macronutrients, micronutrients, and antioxidants. Eating balanced meals may help enhance your physical health.
Consuming more macronutrients can boost your energy levels. You may have an easier time completing tasks and maintaining your independence.
Micronutrients, on the other hand, can strengthen your immune system. This could help decrease your risk of illnesses.
Consuming more fiber can help you manage your weight. Fiber can also support good digestive health.
Colorful fruits and vegetables contain an array of vitamins. They may reduce your risk of chronic diseases, including:
If you have specific health concerns, talk to the professionals in your senior living community. They can recommend certain foods based on your needs.
Eating balanced diets can improve your brain health and cognitive function. According to the National Institutes of Health, a healthy diet may reduce your risk of cognitive decline.
Your senior living community may offer brain-healthy diets like Mediterranean, MIND, and DASH. MIND stands for the Mediterranean-Dash Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay. It can help protect your brain health.
The MIND diet prioritizes:
The MIND diet will encourage you to eat fewer sweets, cheese, and fried foods. These foods may cause inflammation, increasing your risk of chronic diseases. Consuming more whole foods, on the other hand, may delay dementia onset.
Eating a balanced diet will stabilize your mood. It may help reduce your risk of depression and anxiety, improving your overall quality of life.
Relying on assisted living menus can benefit your mental and physical health. You can follow customized senior nutrition plans based on your unique health needs or goals. Explore an assisted living dining program to discover more healthy meal options today!
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Our highly trained staff can help improve your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule your tour in Cedar Rapids, IA.