Nutrition's Role in Assisted Living Quality of Life
According to Harvard Health Publishing, about 46% of adults don't meet daily protein recommendations. As a result, about 50% of seniors experience age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia).
Failing to meet your elderly dietary needs can affect your mental and physical health. Your senior living community can provide balanced diets for seniors, saving you from the stress of cooking.
What role does nutrition for seniors play in your quality of life? Read on to find out!
Benefits of Balanced Diets for Seniors
According to Health in Aging, malnutrition is more common in adults over age 65. It could cause medical issues, hospitalization, disability, and death.
About 10% of seniors living in their own homes don't eat enough, while one-third over the age of 65 overeat. Moving into a senior living community will give you access to senior nutrition tips and assisted living meal plans.
Here are a few benefits of eating balanced diets for seniors.
Avoid Nutritional Deficiencies
According to the National Library of Medicine, seniors are at high risk of developing nutritional deficiencies. Factors that increase this risk include:
- Preexisting health conditions
- Medications that impact nutrient absorption
- Appetite changes
Over 42% suffer from zinc deficiency. About 20% are mildly deficient in vitamin B12, with 20% at risk of a B12 deficiency. A vitamin deficiency can affect your mental and physical health.
Symptoms of vitamin deficiencies include:
- Vitamin A: dry skin, hair loss, night blindness
- Vitamin B12: memory issues, numbness, tingling
- Vitamin C: joint pain, easy bruising, bleeding gums
- Vitamin D: osteoporosis, bone pain, muscle weakness
- Vitamin E: nerve damage and muscle weakness
- Iron: anemia, pale skin, fatigue
If you're experiencing these symptoms, consult a doctor. They can schedule a blood test to determine if you have a deficiency. They may recommend dietary changes or supplements.
Eating assisted living meal plans could help you avoid a deficiency. You can focus on foods that contain the vitamins and minerals you need.
Eating a balanced diet can help you maintain your weight, bone strength, and brain function. It can also play a role in managing chronic health conditions.
Your senior living community can develop a personalized dining plan. Their experience with healthy eating for elderly seniors may help you avoid deficiencies and health issues.
Delay Dementia Onset
Based on research from the National Institutes of Health, healthy eating patterns are associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline or impairment. Examples include the Mediterranean diet and DASH eating plan.
The Mediterranean diet prioritizes fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. DASH was designed to prevent or treat hypertension.
The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet is a combination of the two. It may help protect brain health by prioritizing:
- Leafy greens and other vegetables
- Berries and other fruits
- Whole grains
- Beans
- Nuts
- At least one weekly serving of fish
This program limits fried foods, fast food, sweets, cheese, and red meat. These foods may cause inflammation, which can contribute to health problems.
Research over 10 years has indicated that the MIND diet is linked to lower cognitive impairment and slower rates of cognitive decline. You can choose assisted living meal plans that include these foods to improve your mental health and delay dementia onset.
Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Meeting elderly dietary needs could help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Foods that may help improve your heart health include:
- Berries
- Avocados
- Walnuts
- Beans
- Fatty fish like salmon
- Almonds
- Hemp and chia seeds
- Dark chocolate
- Tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Green tea
- Garlic
- Green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, etc.)
- Whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa, etc.)
Eating fruits and vegetables can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. Whole grains may improve your heart function and blood sugar levels. Healthy fats like avocado and olive oil may reduce inflammation, benefiting your heart.
There are assisted living plans designed with heart health in mind. Choosing these foods may extend your longevity and improve your quality of life.
Improved Physical Health
Proper nutrition can enhance your physical health. A balanced diet will include macronutrients, micronutrients, and antioxidants.
Macronutrients can give you the energy to complete daily tasks, allowing you to maintain your independence. Micronutrients can enhance your immune system, decreasing your risk of illnesses.
Fiber can support your digestive health and aid weight management. Adding essential vitamins to your diet may help protect you from chronic diseases. These include:
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Some cancers
- Heart disease
Benefits of Assisted Living Meal Plans
Using assisted living meal plans can improve more than just your health. Here are a few reasons to consider relying on your senior living community's dining program.
Diverse Options
Relying on assisted living meal plans will give you access to appealing and diverse food options. You can choose from a variety of healthy choices and alternate menus. This will keep you from getting bored while ensuring you meet your unique dietary needs.
Address Elderly Dietary Needs
You can work with a nutritionist to develop a personalized meal plan that meets your dietary needs. They'll help you select balanced meals full of the vitamins and minerals you need to function. A professional can tailor your meals and offer senior nutrition tips based on:
- Food allergies and other dietary restrictions
- Preferences
- Caloric intake
- Your activity level
Having access to personalized dining experiences can make your life easier. You won't have to worry about the stress of meal planning or cooking.
Socialization
Senior living communities that offer restaurant-style dining rooms encourage socialization. Socialization can improve your mental health and mood.
You can enjoy new dishes among friends, enhancing your dining experience. Eating with friends may encourage you to prioritize healthy eating.
Prioritize Nutrition for Seniors
Learning how to prioritize nutrition for seniors can improve your mental and physical health. You don't have to worry about cooking, though. Instead, rely on assisted living meal plans.
Our senior living community, Addington Place of Muscatine, offers balanced diets for seniors and resident-focused lifestyle programs. These services and our range of amenities are designed to reduce stress, allowing you to enjoy your retirement.
Discover exceptional comfort, convenience, and elevated living experiences with your unique needs in mind. Contact us today to schedule your tour.