The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family while creating lasting memories, for children and aging parents alike. There are always the usual stresses that arise this time of year, like making sure gifts are bought, meals are sorted, and activities are planned to keep everyone happy. However, […]
There are many myths about senior nutrition. Most people think that the importance of nutrition diminishes as a person ages. However, it is quite the opposite. At Paradise Living Centers, we cater to the nutritional and dietary needs of each resident. Our cook who prepares meals daily for our residents living at each of our homes, works closely with the caregivers and our nurse to address any changes or preferences. Mealtime can be a social time for our seniors, which is also important for their health. In this blog, we will dispel 5 of the most common senior nutrition myths:
1. It’s normal for seniors to lose their appetite:
This is perhaps the most common misconception about senior nutrition. It is true that due to metabolic changes, energy output decrease, and other lifestyle changes, seniors may not need as much food as they once did. However, a simple loss of appetite is not normal and may signal a serious health issue.It is recommended that seniors weigh themselves regularly to maintain a healthy weight and alert to any sudden changes in weight.
Additionally, poor appetite or difficulty chewing can sometimes be connected to dental problems. Missing teeth, gum disease, or poorly fitting dentures can make it uncomfortable for seniors to eat. Ensuring access to proper dental care, including dental emergency services, can significantly impact a senior’s overall health. Dental emergencies such as cracked teeth or infections can occur unexpectedly and require immediate attention to avoid long-term health consequences.
2. Seniors have slower metabolisms, so they don’t need as many nutrients:
False! Seniors needs just as many nutrients if not more to support their aging bodies. Nutrient dense foods support healthy bones, skin, hair, etc. The body’s ability to absorb nutrients decreases as you age. Thus, doctors recommend supplements of Vitamin D, Calcium, and B12 to support a healthy body.
3. Senior communities don’t offer good food:
Unfortunately, senior communities have a negative reputation when it comes to food. At Paradise Living Centers, we defy this stereotype. Our dedicated cook provides fresh, delicious and nutritious meals and snacks daily. Residents will wake up to enjoy a healthy breakfast, the main meal is typically enjoyed midday and a light dinner and snacks are prepared and served for afternoon and evening. With only 10 residents in each of our care homes, we make a point to learn about each resident, including their favorite meals and ensure that their individual nutritional and dietary needs are being addressed.
4. Exercise is not necessary for seniors:
It is truly a myth that exercise is not necessary for seniors. In fact, there are many benefits of exercise for seniors and research shows that these benefits far outweigh the risks. There are many health conditions that can be improved from exercise, including Alzheimer’s, dementia, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Regular exercise is key to a healthy life, especially for seniors. There are many exercise routines that are safe and beneficial to seniors.
5. As long as they aren’t overweight, seniors do not need to limit their salt and sugar intake:
Myth! Even if a person is a “healthy weight,” too much salt and sugar can lead to many health issues including diabetes and heart disease. At Paradise Living Centers, our chefs create balanced meals and ensure that each meal contains a mixture of foods that support healthy aging bodies.
To learn more about the importance of senior nutrition and the healthy senior living we are so proud to provide at Paradise Living Centers, please visit our website or call us at (480)878 -4112.
