Nutrition is one of the keys to senior health and wellness. Illness, boredom with food, or a lack of interest in cooking can lead to poor eating habits that put a senior’s health at risk. Knowing these challenges, you may wonder how senior communities are promoting healthy eating in Texas.
Helping residents maintain healthy eating in senior living can be a challenge. With several dining options and a commitment to serving real homemade food instead of prepackaged meals, we’re overcoming that challenge at Westminster Place. Call Westminster Place at 903.329.6520 or contact us online to learn more about our meal services today.
Challenges to Healthy Eating for Seniors
Getting adequate nutrition is a major concern for people of any age but can be especially important for seniors. Some of the issues that affect a senior’s eating habits include:
- Living alone due to not wanting to cook or eat alone
- Oral health problems such as oral pain, dentures, or missing teeth
- Medication side effects
- Changes in smell or taste
- Limited income
- Transportation problems, which can impact a senior’s ability to go shopping
- Depression, isolation
- Food safety
People’s nutritional needs change as they age. Certain nutrients help protect against some of the most common health concerns seniors face. However, getting these nutrients can be difficult with a reduced appetite or lack of access to fresh foods.
How Senior Communities Are Promoting Healthy Eating
At any age, having a variety of delicious foods to choose from is the best way to promote healthy eating. Senior living communities that make nutrition a priority and understand the importance of offering dining choices and dishes to please every palate.
Recognizing that seniors have different nutritional needs is a start. For example, ingredients that provide essential nutrients like calcium for strong bones and omega-3 fatty acids for brain function can ensure healthy eating in senior living communities is available, even for those with small appetites.
Soft food options are another consideration. Older adults who have chewing or swallowing problems need softer foods that still look and taste appetizing.
Freshly made smoothies and delicious homemade soups help make sure everyone can get the important vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy without giving up food that looks and tastes appealing.
Mealtime assistance also plays an important role in helping seniors receive all the nutrition they need. Issues such as cognitive decline or painful arthritis can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, or unwanted weight loss.
Food safety can also become a concern for seniors, especially those who live alone. With professional certified chefs and food handlers preparing meals in a senior living community, there are no more worries about eating expired foods or unsanitary practices in the kitchen.
The Social Component of Nutrition
It’s been said that nothing whets the appetite like good company. While residents can enjoy meals from the comfort of their own spaces, dining with friends is also a daily option. Food is more than ingredients; it also represents comfort, culture, and memory-making.
This means eating is often more fun when you have friends to share a meal with. Senior living communities understand the importance of social connection at mealtime. Fun culinary events like barbeques, ice cream socials, and cook-offs help senior living residents stay excited about trying new foods.
Reach Out to Westminster Place for Our Healthy Eating Senior Community
Nutrition plays an important role in keeping seniors healthy and helping them fight diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and dementia. Whether our residents are enjoying a quick bite at Bistro 1879, takeaway meals, or our private dining options, they’re eating dishes specifically created to meet their nutritional needs.
At our healthy eating senior community, we believe that bringing the community together with delicious and nutritious food helps create a sense of home. To learn more about our nutrition services and other amenities, contact Westminster Place at 903.329.6520 or online today.