It’s Important to Make Smart, Healthy Food Choices

The appetites of elderly adults typically decrease as they age, which means it is important to make smart, healthy food choices rather than filling up on foods laden with empty calories (save those sugary snacks for occasional treats).  The U.S. Department of Agriculture publishes a website called Choose My Plate that offers ideas and tips to help people create a healthier eating style throughout the various stages of their lives including older adults.

Eating a wholesome diet rich in nutrients can help keep your muscles, bones, organs, and other body parts strong and to boost your immunity.  If you already have a chronic disease, it can help you manage it better. My Plate explains a healthy diet will give you more energy and encourage a sense of well-being along with providing the nutrients needed by the body such as “potassium, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, minerals, and dietary fiber.  In addition eating well can help you lose or maintain a healthy weight. 

If you are on a low-sodium diet due to health conditions, you should use herbs and spices to flavor your food rather than salt.  Also be wary of processed and packaged foods as many of them are loaded with sodium. In addition to drinking water throughout the day, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture says to drink 3 cups of fat-free or low-fat milk (substitute yogurt, butter milk, hard cheese or lactose-free foods if you cannot tolerate milk) a day.  Eat cereals fortified with vitamin B12 and include sliced fruits and vegetables with your meals.

MorningStar at Boulder’s mission is to provide the best in senior retirement homes, which is why mealtime is both a social event as well as the opportunity to eat healthy, delicious foods.  We recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors, which is why food is prepared largely from scratch and features the freshest of ingredients from high-quality producers and/or are locally sourced.  Our meals are served restaurant-style so residents can sit and enjoy the company and a relaxing meal.  

MorningStar of Boulder offers the very best in senior retirement homes with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our loving community.

Source: choosemyplate.gov/browse-by-audience/view-all-audiences/adults/older-adults