Healthy eating is an important discipline throughout our lives and this is no less true as we age. In fact, for seniors, it is of the utmost importance, though the diet of an aging adult may differ slightly from their diet in their younger years. Eating nutrient-dense foods, limiting salt and sugar, consuming enough calcium, and avoiding dehydration are imperative for seniors seeking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Landis Adult Day Services seeks to provide well-balanced and senior-centered nutrition options for both snacks and daily meals.
Nutrient dense foods include dark, leafy greens, lean meat and poultry, a colorful variety of vegetables and fruit, and grain foods that are specifically wholegrain and high fiber. Fish should also be a staple in the diet of a senior, as it can help decrease the risk of stroke, dementia, heart disease, and macular degeneration. The variety of so many different foods will help guard against developing a vitamin deficiency, which can be a concern for aging adults.
Seniors commonly don’t consume enough magnesium, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, dietary fibers and vitamins E, B6, and B12. Eating foods rich in these nutrients can guard against the development of a deficiency.
Many seniors also do not consume enough calcium. Consuming calcium – such as milk or yogurt – is also important, as it helps slow aging-related loss of bone which in turn can slow the onset of osteoporosis.
Seniors should also be mindful of their salt and sugar consumption. Processed foods containing saturated fats and trans fats should be kept to a minimum as they can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, or a stroke. Too much sugar can increase the risk of obesity and diabetes.
Aging adults may notice a decrease in thirst but this does not mean that they should stop drinking water. Seniors should aim to consume six to eight glasses of water a day in order to maintain hydration.
While the nutrition needs of aging adults are often similar to those of younger adults, these are just a few key considerations to ensure that seniors eat well-rounded, low sodium/sugar, nutrient-dense diets. Such diets will provide seniors with vitamins and energy that will powerfully support their health.
Landis Adult Day Services does not underestimate the importance of a healthy diet! We prioritize the health and nutritional needs of seniors by providing delicious, nutritious snacks and lunches for them, prepared by culinary professionals.
Aging adults can rest assured that Landis Adult Day Services invests particular care into making healthy meals for them, because we do not underestimate the immense value of a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet!
