Malnutrition is a common occurrence in seniors over 65. This condition can wreak havoc on your overall health, causing disability, medical problems, and hospitalization. Unfortunately, around half of mature adults living in senior living communities have poor diet or nutrition.
It’s essential to find a senior living community in Oklahoma City that prioritizes a healthy diet. Eating healthily should be a component of an overarching physical wellness plan that these communities create for their residents. Improving your health by incorporating nutritious meals for seniors will help you avoid other health issues.
This blog will go over how seniors can mitigate certain health risks by eating a healthy diet. We’ll also talk about the role Oklahoma City senior living communities play in ensuring their residents eat well.
The Role of Nutrition in Senior Health
Humans should eat healthily no matter what their age is. Eating a diet built around fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and a limited amount of sugar is good general advice.
However, eating healthily after 65 becomes more challenging. Certain medical conditions that seniors encounter can cause unhealthy and dramatic weight loss. This can lead to:
- Vitamin and iron deficiencies
- Osteoporosis
- Malnutrition
Age-related changes to your digestion or metabolism can cause unintentional changes in your weight. Our bodies have a more difficult time with certain bodily functions, such as:
- Bone regeneration
- Kidney function
- Heart health
Getting proper nutrition and the right amount of vitamins and protein is important to keep those systems functioning. A healthy diet can play a large role in your overall health, including the following:
- Bone strength
- Memory and brain function
- Immunity
- Well-being and mental health
- Gastrointestinal functioning
Nutritional Considerations for Seniors
There are a few things to keep in mind when thinking about senior living eating. Being aware of your nutritional requirements and knowing when to make adjustments will help you eat a balanced diet.
Understand What You Should Put on a Healthy Plate
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has come up with an innovative tool called MyPlate. This is a great way to see how much of each food group should be included with each meal. It’s technically replaced the Food Guide Pyramid and gives people a more personalized approach to eating healthily.
Some tips to keep in mind include:
- Make half your plate fresh fruit and veggies
- Eat half your grains as whole grains
- Switch up your protein routine
- Consume fat-free or low-fat yogurt or dairy milk
Monitor Your Key Nutrient Intake
It becomes more challenging for our bodies to absorb certain nutrients as we age. This, coupled with a decrease in appetite, can cause a nutritional deficiency.
Some of the nutrients and vitamins our bodies tend to lose include:
- Vitamin B12
- Magnesium
- Vitamin B6
- Omega-3s
- Vitamin D
- Fiber
- Protein
- Calcium
You can get many of these nutrients from different ingredients and meals. You may have to explore adding supplements to your diet depending on how deficient you are.
While you should focus on consuming foods that have higher amounts of these vitamins and nutrients, you should also avoid foods that have other ingredients. This can include not eating foods that are high in salt or sodium.
Nutritional Dining Menus in Oklahoma City Senior Living Communities
One of the benefits of a senior living community in Oklahoma City is that they take the dietary preferences and needs of their residents into account when crafting their menus. They understand that it can be challenging to come up with ideas for three healthy meals a day. That’s why they hire a team of experienced chefs to create a senior community healthy menu and work on their residents’ behalf.
Various Menu Options
No one wants to eat the same thing each day. Many senior living communities may offer different options for their main dishes and sides to give their residents variety. This flexibility also gives residents control over what they eat and helps them maintain their independence.
Lunch tends to be the largest meal of the day for those living in a senior living community. Dinner typically features lighter options for those who don’t want to eat a big meal before going to bed.
Examples of different types of breakfasts that may be offered include:
- Yogurt with berries
- Eggs with bacon and toast
- Whole-grain cereals
- Skim milk, juice, and coffee
Anytime and In-Room Dining Options
Mealtimes give residents in assisted living communities the opportunity to interact with their neighbors and friends. That’s why meals are usually served in communal spaces that look like restaurants. Meals are usually served at the same time each day to give residents a sense of routine.
Some seniors may have different schedules or need to eat at specific times for their medication. They have the opportunity to have their meals delivered to their apartments. You should ask the senior living communities you’re touring if they offer on-demand meals. This is a great option if you or your loved one are night owls and won’t get up in time for breakfast.
Meals Tailored to Residents’ Dietary Needs
Some seniors may have dietary restrictions due to various health conditions. These health concerns may include:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
They may have to limit certain ingredients, including high amounts of sodium or added sugar. Other dietary problems seniors may encounter include:
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Swallowing difficulties
- Problems with chewing
Senior living communities consider these things when presenting their residents with meals. Some individuals may receive a softer diet than others to accommodate them. No matter what a senior is dealing with, their senior living community will ensure they consume a diet that meets their needs and restrictions.
Eat Well at a Senior Living Community in Oklahoma City
Eating a well-balanced diet is important for mature adults. Picking a senior living community in Oklahoma City that prioritizes healthy dining options is key to ensuring you or your loved one stays in optimal health during their golden years. You should put nutritional offerings at the forefront when choosing a senior living community to move into.
At Morada Southridge, we offer our residents high-end and delectable senior living dining services. Our team of well-trained chefs has specialized experience in crafting delicious meals that are jam-packed with healthy ingredients that our residents need to thrive.
Contact our office to schedule a tour of our community.
