Proper nutrition for seniors is vital. It helps to prevent common health problems in the elderly such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. A healthy diet plays a big role in the quality of life of seniors.
So, how do you ensure that your retirement community residents are receiving proper wellness which boosts their energy and nourishes their bodies?
Keep reading for five nutritional wellness management tips to shake up the menu in a retirement community and offer residents only the best.
- Ensure a Yummy Breakfast
You know the saying: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Help seniors start the day strong with a healthy and nutritious breakfast that provides the vitamins and energy they’ll need for their daily activities.
Breakfast should be filling without being an overwhelmingly big portion as many people struggle with an appetite in the morning. Include calorie-dense, healthy foods such as avocado or oatmeal. Have a look at these breakfast ideas for seniors for some inspiration.
- Making Healthy Meals With Whole Foods and Fresh Ingredients
Highly processed foods are not good for man or beast. It’s especially unhealthy for the elderly. Nutritional wellness in retirement homes should include a menu plan that is created with whole foods and fresh ingredients.
Stick to organic vegetables and free-range meat where possible, for the highest nutritional content free from potentially toxic additives.
- Add Variety to Make it Interesting
Retirement community menus need to be healthy, but that doesn’t mean there can’t be variety and interesting food. Take inspiration from other countries and cuisines to add some color to the menu. Your residents will appreciate the opportunity to explore cultures through food.
Offering variety encourages residents to try new things and to eat healthily.
- Provide Healthy Comfort Foods
Everyone loves comfort food and senior retirement community residents do too. On the whole, they won’t take well to a completely vegan menu with ‘superfoods’ they’ve never heard of and dishes they’re not familiar with.
Providing healthy comfort food is possible and it will be comforting for residents as well as good for their health. Think of healthy spins on mac and cheese, grilled cheeses, and fried chicken.
- Stick to Small Plates
Many seniors don’t have a big appetite and it can be a struggle to ensure that they receive their daily vitamins. Presenting massive dishes will put anyone off who has a small appetite.
Rather, stick to smaller plates that are packed with nutrients and encourage residents to drink water by providing easy access to water points all over the community.
Put Nutritional Wellness at the Forefront
The importance of nutritional wellness for seniors living in a retirement community cannot be overstated. However, ensuring that residents get their daily vitamins and nutrition through food takes a bit of planning and creativity. Use these five tips to get inspired and start preparing.
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