Eating habits change throughout the life span. As we age, healthy eating can be
effective in bettering our health, improving how we feel, and inspiring a sense of well-being.
According to www.myplate.gov older adults should:
- Choose foods with little to no added sugar, saturated fats, and sodium.
- Get enough protein during your day to maintain muscle mass.
- Focus on the nutrients you need, including potassium, calcium, vitamin
D, dietary fiber, and vitamin B12. - Drink water often. With age, you may lose some of your sense of thirst.
Low- or fat-free milk, including lactose-free options or fortified soy
beverage and 100% juice can also help you stay hydrated. Limit beverages
that have lots of added sugars or salt. - Turn eating into a social event. Meals are more enjoyable when you eat with
others. Invite friends to join you or take part in a potluck at least twice a
week. Some community centers and places of worship offer meals that are
shared with others. There are many ways to make mealtimes pleasing. - Maintain a healthy weight or prevent additional weight gain by following a
healthy dietary pattern and adopting an active lifestyle. - Learn how much to eat from all five food groups and find out how many
calories you need each day to help you maintain energy using the MyPlate
Plan.
At Cavalier Senior Living, we take the guess work out of planning nutritious
meals by offering a menu with a variety of healthy and great tasting options
from each food group to help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases
such as high blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Tara Odom, Vice President of Cavalier Senior Living says, “Good nutrition and the
act of sharing meals becomes a cornerstone of vitality in our golden years,
fueling our bodies and our spirits.” Odom continues, “Our home-cooked meals
and family style dining provide not only sustenance, but a connection to
tradition, culture, and the joy of shared moments around the table.”
Odom says Cavalier Senior Living Communities offers a Spring/Summer Menu
and a Fall/Winter Menu to take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables. For
example, some of the communities have raised garden beds where the resident’s
plant and grow tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and other fresh vegetables and
fruits. Other communities support local farmer markets.
For more information on Assisted Living and Memory Care in Alabama, call us today, or click here to schedule a tour.
