Did you know that the USDA has special dietary recommendations for people aged 60 and older? This is because our nutritional needs change with age and play an increasingly important role in our overall health.

For example, a balanced diet can help to lower your risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. The only problem is that many seniors don’t have the resources to maintain a balanced diet alone.

In an assisted living community for seniors, dining and nutrition are integral to the well-being of all residents. How do we prepare healthy meals for seniors? Read on for our top tips for meeting elderly dietary needs.

Increase Fruit and Vegetable Intake

One of the best ways to increase your vitamin and nutrient intake is to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, aiming for at least five portions per day. Examples of a single portion of fruit or vegetables include:

Two small plums
One apple or banana
One cup of raw leafy vegetables
1/2 cup of cooked leafy vegetables
Six baby carrots

One way to meet these recommendations is to fill half your plate with fruit and vegetables at every meal. Fresh, frozen, or canned in low-sugar or low-sodium water are all great options.

Cut Down on Salt

Your sense of taste can start to diminish with age, making it more difficult to enjoy food. Some seniors reach for salty foods as a result, as salt is a flavor enhancer.

However, high sodium intake can have a negative impact on blood pressure and heart health. A low-sodium diet is beneficial to all, but especially those with heart disorders.

Instead of over-salting food, use ingredients like citrus juice, vinegar, herbs, and spices to enhance flavor. When using pre-cooked ingredients, check the nutritional label and aim for products with 5% of your RDV of sodium or less.

Limit Sugar and Processed Foods

Sugar is another ingredient that can enhance flavor. While many seniors can enjoy a sugary treat in moderation, it’s important to limit your overall consumption of added sugar.

Believe it or not, you can find added sugar in far more processed foods than just dessert foods. In fact, processed foods can contain high levels of sugar, salt, and other ingredients that may not support a balanced diet.

The simplest way to avoid these unwanted additives is to enjoy fresh-cooked meals. We know that many seniors aren’t able to cook often due to limited resources or disabilities. That’s why senior dining options are one of our top senior amenities.

Support Bone Health with Calcium

Calcium is one of the body’s essential minerals. We need calcium to maintain bone strength and density, but we lose calcium every day through our skin, nails, sweat, and more.

The body doesn’t produce calcium on its own, but you can replenish your calcium levels through diet. High-calcium foods include:

Dairy milk
Yogurt
Cheese
Calcium-fortified breakfast cereals

Some green vegetables, like kale, contain lower levels of calcium. If you are on a dairy-free diet, ask your doctor if calcium supplements are right for you.

Aim for Three Meals Per Day

The body needs fuel throughout the day to support energy levels and overall health.

We often talk to seniors who worry about over-eating, yet many aren’t eating enough. Alternatively, some seniors are meeting their daily recommended calorie intake, but aren’t getting enough variety to support nutritious senior living.

How can you make sure you’re eating enough and getting the vitamins and nutrients you need? Aim for three square meals a day, reaching for healthy snacks to curb hunger and boost energy. In assisted living, our residents have access to three meals each day, including some celebratory or themed meals as part of our activity calendar.

Learn About Personal Dietary Needs

Many of our residents have specific dietary needs, restrictions, or preferences. For example, residents with diabetes have a greater need to monitor sugar intake than others. Residents with heart health concerns require low-sodium options.

It’s useful to learn about your dietary needs and ensure that you’re still eating a balanced diet. Even a senior who is vegetarian by choice should make sure they’re getting enough protein, iron, and calcium through plant-based foods.

Having to change your diet for any reason can feel frustrating. However, learning about your options can empower you to not only make health-conscious choices but enjoy each meal.

Stay Hydrated

We have talked a lot about food, but what about beverages? Water is crucial to nearly all bodily functions, and seniors are at an increased risk of dehydration. To increase your water consumption:

Use a water cup or bottle that you can comfortably hold and drink from
Add fresh juice or sparkling water to your routine for hydration and flavor
Eat food with high water content, like cucumbers and watermelon

In addition, be aware of what can increase your risk of dehydration. For example, some medications are diuretics, meaning you should increase your water intake when taking them. Some beverages, like coffee and alcohol, are also diuretics and should be consumed in moderation.

Enjoy Meals Together

Finally, make mealtime more enjoyable by turning it into a social occasion.

In a community like Redbud Place, residents are always welcome to enjoy assisted living meals in the community dining room. Our private quarters also feature kitchenettes, allowing residents to prepare meals and enjoy them at home with friends and family.

Socialization has many mental health benefits for seniors, and having lunch or dinner with friends and neighbors can help.

Assisted Living Community for Seniors: Prioritizing Nutrition

With the right approach, seniors can use nutrition to support their overall health and well-being. In an assisted living community for seniors, dining is often an integral part of residential care.

At Redbud Place Assisted Living, our in-house chef creates three meals a day for our seniors to enjoy together. Private dining options are also available for seniors who prefer to dine at home. We take dietary needs and preferences seriously, ensuring that there’s a nutritious option for everyone.