Whether you’re considering a move to a senior living community or you’re currently a resident of one, you might be concerned about how to stay healthy. However, it’s easy to maintain healthy habits in today’s senior living communities. From nutritious dining options to senior fitness classes, healthy living for seniors is possible at communities across the country. Learn more about how you can keep a healthy diet and lifestyle today.
Healthy Living for Seniors
Many seniors move to a senior living community for help with daily living activities like cleaning or laundry. In these communities, residents find daily opportunities for fun and socializing as well as amenities like dining services and fitness classes. Because those in a senior living community are all in a similar stage of life, they can share experiences like going for walks together, cooking together, and trying new activities.
Maintaining a healthy diet is incredibly important for seniors. As you age, your nutritional requirements change. Even if you don’t crave certain foods like you used to, paying attention to your diet can help you stay healthy long-term.
How can a senior living community help residents maintain healthy living for seniors? One of these communities might offer all of the following:
- Transportation to doctor’s appointments
- On-site medical care
- Trips to grocery stores where residents can buy healthy foods
- Senior-specific fitness classes
- Nutritious dining options tailored to residents’ dietary needs
Maintaining a Healthy Diet for Seniors
If the delicious dining choices seem overwhelming, there are a few ways you can make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need. First, talk to your doctor about any specific dietary requirements you might have, or if there are certain foods you should avoid.
Many seniors require fewer calories as they age. For this reason, they should focus on nutrient-rich foods, meaning that everything they eat provides some nutritional value. Foods that are high in calories but do not provide a lot of nutritional value should be avoided or saved for special occasions. These could include fried foods or sugary treats like ice cream.
What foods should seniors be sure to include in their diets? Nutrient-rich whole foods like the following are always a good option:
- Lean proteins like chicken, turkey or fish
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Nuts and seeds, which are great for snacking
- Low-fat dairy products
- Beans, lentils, and legumes
Whether you’re eating in a dining hall in a senior living community or you’re cooking your own meals, focusing on these ingredients can help you maintain a healthy diet. Trying new recipes and cooking with friends can also be a great way to incorporate new foods into your diet.
Our Healthy Living Community in FL
At Summer’s Landing, we’re committed to helping our residents stay healthy. Through delicious chef-prepared meals, you’ll receive all the nutrients you need. We take our residents’ dietary needs into account when planning meals. For residents who need help managing their blood sugar, we make sure that our options are tailored to their needs. If our residents are concerned about high blood pressure, they can take advantage of low-sodium options. And for those with osteoporosis, we offer meals that are high in calcium and vitamin D.
We’re also committed to offering a variety of wellness services. You can stay as active as you’d like in our healthy living community in FL. We offer exercise classes that incorporate aerobics, stretching exercises, and weight training. And all of our residents are encouraged to swim in our pool, go for walks on our grounds, and dance during our events.
Learn more about our wellness programs and senior activities by contacting Summer’s Landing at 850.265.9829.