The Importance of Senior Nutrition

Dec 1, 2023 | Health & Wellness

Good nutrition is the foundation for good health.

A combination of proper nutrients and exercise can help prevent a variety of chronic diseases. Throughout the aging process, bone and muscle mass is lost as metabolisms change. Due to the unique nutritional needs of seniors, taking the proper measures to provide wholesome, healthy foods is key to avoiding malnutrition and disease.

NUTRITION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SENIORS

Though seniors often have lower calorie requirements, they may need more nutrients than younger people. As we age, our ability to absorb nutrients from our food becomes less efficient. Creating a plan with a health professional, such as a dietician, can help seniors age with optimal nourishment.

    1. Nutrient-Dense Meals and Snacks

Understanding the key nutrients for seniors, such as lean protein, fiber, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D can result in healthier plates. Whole grains and dairy products both provide a boost to a senior’s daily nutrition goal. Hearty soups are popular, as they are easily chewed and can provide vegetables, protein, and grains in a single bowl.

    1. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

Some seniors begin to lose the sensation of thirst, which may lead to dehydration and difficulty digesting meals. Sugary drinks, such as soda and fruit juice with added sweeteners should be enjoyed in moderation. Low-fat milk helps to hydrate and also provides key nutrients, such as protein, potassium, and calcium.

    1. Calorie Intake

Seniors who find themselves struggling to consume enough calories each day should consider switching to full-fat milk and adding healthy fats and oils to boost calories. Nut butter and avocados are ideal and spread easily on toast or as a standalone snack.

    1. Dietary Supplements When Needed

Depending on the senior’s health, supplements may be recommended. One example is many seniors are prone to calcium and Vitamin D deficiency, which affects bone health. Supplements may help with deficiencies and can in the form of a daily meal-replacement shake or chewable vitamins and minerals.

    1. Focus On Variety

Health experts encourage people of all ages to “eat the rainbow.” By filling a plate with diverse, colorful options, appetites increase and mealtime becomes more stimulating. Encourage variety to avoid the boredom associated with repetition.

WHAT WE CAN DO TO HELP

At Tanglewood Trace, we believe in providing practical tips to help ensure that our senior residents obtain proper nutrition. If unintentional weight loss has occurred, it’s important to visit a doctor to ensure there are no underlying medical causes. A doctor can provide a referral to a dietician, who is best equipped to build a personalized plan to promote a nourishing eating regimen tailored specifically for our residents.

We understand that seniors who have recently experienced the loss of a spouse or a close friend are prone to loneliness, which can escalate to a depressive state. This makes it difficult for our seniors to cook or feed themselves, even if they’re otherwise independent. That’s why, at Tanglewood Trace, we encourage all families to check on their loved ones. You can support them by providing healthy meals or accompanying them out to eat to encourage conversation and enjoy a hearty plate together.

Within our senior living community, we provide nutritious meals each day, and there is a strong sense of social belonging built around eating together. We take great care to ensure that each resident is meeting their personal nutrition goals. Our dedicated team works closely with licensed nutritionists to create a menu of wholesome, healthy, and delicious meals that cater to the unique needs of our seniors.

d

Categories

Awards

Stay Connected

Newsletter

|

Testimonials

Extremely happy! My family member moved here earlier this year and we have nothing but ...
Read More
Keri
Extremely happy! My family member moved here earlier this year and we have nothing but great things to say about the care, communication and compassion Tanglewood has for their residents. We were a bit nervous about moving our family member here, we had experienced an unpleasant environment with another assisted living community. Needless to say, we are beyond grateful for the wonderful team at Tanglewood. They have great communication and are always willing to go the extra mile to check on their residents. Highly recommend!!! I know that there are a lot of places people can choose from, hope they would pick Tanglewood.
Keri
Keri
We moved my grandmother here about a month ago and so far it's been wonderful. ...
Read More
Morgan
We moved my grandmother here about a month ago and so far it's been wonderful. Jennifer gave us a great tour and all the information we needed and the rest of the staff has been very friendly towards my Grandmother and her dog. We are very happy we moved her to Tanglewood Trace!
Morgan
Morgan
My husband's favorite aunt was placed in this facility by her children, and I was ...
Read More
Angelica
My husband's favorite aunt was placed in this facility by her children, and I was very impressed with everything I saw when we visited. It was very clean and everyone was very polite and helpful. We were also glad to get updates from our family about how well the facility was handling the CoVID-19 pandemic. I know that my husband's cousins have been very happy and are not worried about their mother's health or well being while at Tanglewood, which says a lot with how crazy 2020 was. Overall, my husband and I are impressed with what we have experienced and heard, and we highly recommend this facility.
Angelica
Angelica
I think it is best to start with understanding that Tanglewood Trace handles not only ...
Read More
Samuel
I think it is best to start with understanding that Tanglewood Trace handles not only Independent Living but also Assisted Living and Personal Care. I think the reviews really should be based on that aspect in mind. I speak with regard to Assisted Living. My great aunt spent 4 years at Tanglewood and without reservation I always felt exceptionally comfortable with the standard of care at this facility. I really enjoyed whenever I would visit my great aunt that the nurses and practitioners at the center would greet me by my name and always would ask me personally if my great aunt was happy with the care as she was not always so critical. Understanding within reason - the nurses and practitioners always would be honest as to when and how they could react to a concern I had on behalf of my aunt - and if reasonable we would see the results shortly after. Often my great aunt just wanted to have more towels on a different day or evening or even - more simply - ask for additional services with my help when I visited that would always be acknowledged. I highly recommend Tanglewood - proximity to Notre Dame and the University Park Mall were awesome benefits.
Samuel
Samuel
I have so many positive things to say about the Tanglewood Trace team and caring ...
Read More
Helene
I have so many positive things to say about the Tanglewood Trace team and caring experience that they provide...My parents in law moved from IOWA in early 2023 into Tanglewood's Assisted Living to be closer to family. The warm welcome that they received by the staff and the other residents was just the beginning of their positive experience. Tanglewood's diverse calendar of activities and entertainment, the lovely dining room and variety of daily tasty menu options as well as the personalized care that the staff provide are some of the many good things I can attest to. When my mother in law suffered some falls that resulted in a broken leg and surgery, the Tanglewood nursing caregivers and therapy department rallied to assist her through her healing journey, and she continues to improve with their support. When my father in law's cancer recently became critical and he needed hospice care, Tanglewood's knowledgeable, accessible and caring Executive Director and Director of Nursing as well as numerous caregivers guided and supported us in keeping him in his AL apartment with my mother in law. He was able to pass away with dignity with both hospice and Tanglewood's diverse team (nursing, dietary, maintenance, housekeeping, and other caregivers) working collaboratively. My husband and I were by his side, as was my mother in law, at Tanglewood, when he passed. The Tanglewood team surpassed our expectations beyond words throughout this journey. We are grateful to have my recently widowed mother in law living there, where we can continue to visit her in this next chapter. Thank you again to the Tanglewood family of caregivers and to the numerous caring residents that are watching over my dear mother in law.
Helene
Helene

Recent Posts

group of multiethnic senior friends spending time together and laughing
Oct 28 2024

Tips For Staying Connected This Holiday Season

Staying connected is vital for seniors, especially during the holiday season. Discover tips to...
Grandmother and granddaughter looking at one another during discussion
Oct 14 2024

Smart Financial Planning

Smart financial planning for senior care can make a world of difference in reducing stress. Find...
Multiracial businesspeople standing in row
Sep 30 2024

PLC Earns Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Aging Services Award

Priority Life Care is thrilled to announce that it has been recognized as one of Fortune’s Best...
elderly couples eat and drink together
Sep 09 2024

Are Seniors Becoming Sober Curious?

More seniors are thinking twice before picking up that glass of wine (and not just about whether...
Sportive multicultural retired people in active clothes enjoying a jog
Aug 12 2024

How to Find the Best Walking Shoes

When it comes to squeezing in exercise as a senior, there’s not much that can beat walking....
close up view of a couple in the kitchen wearing fitness clothes and preparing a healthy meal
Jul 29 2024

Effortless Eating – A Guide to Meal Prepping for Seniors

Learn how to make meal prepping a breeze for seniors with our comprehensive guide. Discover simple...
Jul 02 2024

Transforming Dementia Care

Discover how Life Activity Centers are revolutionizing dementia care with innovative programs and...
residents laughing together outside
Jan 18 2024

So You’ve Planned Your Visit – What Next?

For many, it’s easy to carve out time to visit but sometimes difficult to know what to do or what...
residents smiling around table enjoying a meal together
Jan 18 2024

Priority Life Care’s Along the Journey Program

The Along the Journey program was created by Priority Life Care with residents, their families,...

GET THE BROCHURE

Please provide your email to download your brochure.*We will not sell your information to any third party; we will use the email you provided only to reach out to better understand your senior living needs.