Irrespective of age and background, you should maintain a healthy diet. If you are a senior, then maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially in the area of nutrition, can become difficult. This is why it’s important to find a senior living community that offers senior nutrition and dining services.
Good nutrition habits plus adequate physical exercise keep you healthy. Having variety in your diet is important, and senior nutritional needs differ from a young person’s nutritional needs. As a senior, your body’s metabolism slows down and you require fewer calories from your meals. At Summer’s Landing, we provide quality care for seniors in a beautifully designed community. Contact us at 850.265.9829 to learn more.
Special Nutrient Needs of Older Adults
Choosing foods based on the nutrients they provide is a good way to ensure that you’re eating healthy. Some of the most important nutrients for seniors include:
1. Calcium and Vitamin D
Older adults should eat food high in calcium and vitamin D every day. You need calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones strong. Also, these nutrients help prevent chronic diseases. Calcium is found in foods like fortified cereals and low-fat dairy products, which include milk, cheese, and yogurt. We recommend that you maintain a daily calcium intake of 1200mg. Vitamin D is found in foods like salmon and eggs. We recommend that you maintain a daily vitamin D intake of 800IU.
2. Vitamin B12
This important vitamin helps your body produce red blood cells and improves cognition and the optimal performance of nerve cells. As a senior, you stand a great chance to be deficient in vitamin B12. A senior dietician can help you select supplements to remedy the situation. You can find vitamin B12 in foods like lean red meat and fish.
3. Vitamin A
This vitamin helps with vision and cell turnover and can be found in many fruits and vegetables.
4. Fiber
Fiber is an important nutrient for digestion and can be found in beans and many whole grains.
5. Protein
You should consume foods that contain protein because they improve muscle strength and reduce the risk of a bone fracture. Protein should make up at least 10% of your daily caloric intake.
6. Iron and Folic Acid
Iron transports oxygen throughout your body and enhances your immunity from diseases. It improves cognition and muscle function. Folic acid improves the metabolism of amino acids.
7. Healthy Fats
You will find healthy fats in nuts, seeds, and avocados. Healthy fats can help you absorb other nutrients and are an important part of a healthy diet.
Benefits of Good Nutrition Habits for Seniors
Maintaining good nutrition habits is highly beneficial to seniors. Some of these benefits include:
- You reduce the risk of illnesses – Good nutrition habits can boost your immunity.
- It helps you maintain a healthy weight – By eating right, you can stay in shape.
- A healthy diet can sharpen your mind – By eating foods like fruits, leafy greens, and lean protein, your brain gets all the nutrients it needs.
- It improves your mood – When you maintain good nutrition habits, you become stronger in mind and body.
If preparing meals on your own has become more difficult, you might benefit from an assisted living community. Learn more about Summer’s Landing today to find out if it’s the right fit for you or your loved one.
Reach Out to Summer’s Landing Today
Our dining options are catered to the nutritional needs of the seniors in our care. At Summer’s Landing, you’ll find delicious meals that will help you stay healthy. Our culinary team is eager to provide the best senior nutrition and dining services. Contact Summer’s Landing at 850.265.9829 today to learn more about our dining services and our senior living community.
