As we age, our tastes change, and our bodies can tolerate foods differently. What doesn’t change is the need for nutrient-rich, brain-boosting foods to help us live our best – and most healthy – lives. While you might think this limits your diet, there are actually more foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and beneficial minerals than most people are aware of. These “superfoods” are a crucial part of overall health and wellness for seniors. The health, wellness, and culinary team at Westminster Place can walk you through what the culinary experience looks like as part of a senior living community.
Brain Foods For Seniors
Did you know that seniors do not need as much food as they age (compared to when they were younger)? It’s true. This is because they are less active and digest food more slowly than they used to. Many senior living communities offer nutrition counseling, which can be highly beneficial for seniors who have questions about what food they should eat to stay healthy.
You may be surprised at what’s on the list of anti-aging brain foods that seem like a treat but are actually good for you.
Superfoods that benefit a senior’s health and wellness include:
- Dark chocolate
- Apples
- Asparagus
- Blueberries
- Squash
- Coffee (in moderation)
- Tomatoes
- Pomegranate
- Quinoa
- Fava beans
- Milk
- Garlic
- Nuts
- Kale
- Olive oil
- Oatmeal
- Salmon
Healthy Eating Tips For Seniors
The right foods can help improve your physical and digestive health and mood and mental clarity. Healthy eating is not just about the foods you eat; it is also about the lifestyle you create around healthy eating. Try these tips to stay on track:
Always Have Water
Seniors should be drinking a lot of water throughout the day. 7-8 glasses in the suggested daily intake. Staying hydrated helps avoid dehydration, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and even kidney failure.
Eat Lean
This means lean proteins (meat, eggs, fish, beans), whole grains, and a daily dose of leafy greens if possible. Replace typical carbs with brown rice and whole wheat pasta. Looking to try more than just spinach? Try kale, arugula, or even dandelion greens.
Don’t Pass the Salt
Avoid extra sugar as well. Yes, salt can make bland things taste better, but a high sodium intake leads to high blood pressure and stroke. Unfortunately for those with a sweet tooth, sugar has no nutritional value and has been shown to negatively affect your cognitive ability. So, it’s best to remove adding both to anything in your diet.
Spice It Up
If you’re missing the added salt on your meals, try adding various spices to your diet. The spicier, the better—for example, the active ingredient in chili peppers has anti-inflammatory properties. You can also try adding cinnamon, basil, garlic, or turmeric to your food for extra healthy flavor.
You Don’t Need to Be Fat-Free
There are plenty of healthy fats that you can add to your diet. For seniors, this is especially beneficial in helping lower blood pressure and plaque buildup. Healthy fats suggestions include dark chocolate, avocados, and nuts.
Westminster Place Focuses on Senior Health and Wellness
At Westminster Place, we believe in the importance of a nutritious diet for helping seniors stay healthy and help avoid the onset of diseases like osteoporosis, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Our culinary team prepares a variety of nutritious, restaurant-quality meals each and every day that includes the best brain foods for seniors. We even offer nutrition education and counseling as an added benefit.
Call on the team at Westminster Place at 903.329.6520 to learn more about health and wellness programs that are part of our senior living experience.