Healthy eating is an important component of anyone’s life, but especially that of older adults. Many people struggle to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet as they age. One way that an assisted living community, such as Arbor Terrace Middletown, can enhance the lives of older adults is through its dining program.
A healthy diet has a positive impact on both physical and emotional well-being. According to the National Library of Medicine, healthy eating habits increase energy and can prevent some illnesses such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and high blood pressure. Mealtimes are often a social time that gathers friends and family together, increasing socialization.
However, as people age, changes in lifestyle and routine make it challenging to maintain healthy habits, especially when living at home independently. Some of the ways healthy habits are impacted by aging include mobility challenges making it physically difficult to prepare a meal, medications that change the way food tastes or appetite, income, difficulty with food or swallowing, or motivation to cook after the loss of a loved one. For those with cognitive impairments, they may forget to eat, or even eat additional meals after forgetting they have already eaten. With so many factors impacting healthy eating habits, it’s no surprise that nutrition can suffer as one ages.
With such a multifaceted impact on the wellness of seniors, it’s important for good nutrition to be present. Below are a few of the ways that assisted living residents find their eating habits improving, with the support of the community.
Structured Meal Times
Residents of assisted living communities enjoy three meals a day, on a regular schedule. Eating on a regular schedule helps digestion, especially because the largest meal is generally offered at midday, with a lighter meal in the evening. A structured schedule helps to ensure that residents are eating an appropriate amount each day by reducing the risk of over or under-eating. If you or your loved one struggles to maintain a healthy eating schedule, the structure offered at an assisted living community may have a positive impact.
One of the services offered by an assisted living community is restaurant-style dining for each meal. This allows residents to sit with friends from the community, or even bring an outside guest to dine with. Making mealtimes a social event has a positive impact on emotional wellness by decreasing feelings of loneliness and isolation. It may also motivate them to attend a meal. A resident who has a low appetite, may find themselves encouraged to go to the dining room for a bite if they know their friends are expecting them.
Cooking can be challenging! It requires physical mobility and the ability to stay focused. It can also be difficult to plan a meal, collect the right ingredients, and make sure the appropriate amount of food is prepared. For many, this can start to feel overwhelming, or even just that it takes too much energy. Assisted living communities take the stress out of cooking by providing a home cooked meal, three times a day. Residents have the opportunity to choose what they’d like at each meal, based on their mood or preferences, without the stress of preparing it.
It’s important that meals not only taste good but provide a well-balanced diet. Assisted living communities take the guesswork out of planning a balanced menu, by offering it directly to residents. Menus at assisted living communities are thoughtfully planned to offer plenty of fruits, vegetables, and proteins to ensure residents are receiving all the nutrients and hydration needed to stay healthy.
Illnesses or medications may present older adults with new diet restrictions that may be unfamiliar. Low sugar, low sodium, and even no grapefruit are just a few common diet restrictions older adults may find themselves experiencing. Both the care team and dining team at the assisted living community will talk with each resident about dietary restrictions or preferences and help to ensure that the diet is followed as closely as possible.
While encouraging healthy eating habits is just one benefit of an assisted living community, it has the power to positively impact various aspects of the resident’s overall quality of life. If you or your loved one is struggling to maintain healthy eating at home, it may be time to consider an assisted living community. Want to experience our award-winning dining program for yourself? Schedule a tour and join us for a meal!