The Importance of Senior Nutrition

Jan 16, 2024 | 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 The Cortland Wyoming, 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 The Cortland Wyoming, 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

I can't say enough about this facility. Everything was top notch. The staff was fantastic ...
Read More
Kathy
I can't say enough about this facility. Everything was top notch. The staff was fantastic with my mom. She was comfortable, happy, and felt very loved by them. The management and the facility are also great. I would refer anybody who is looking for a trustworthy, caring assisted living facility.
Kathy
Kathy
I’ve had experience with several Retirement facilities. Overall, I have been very happy...
Read More
Mary
I’ve had experience with several Retirement facilities. Overall, I have been very happy with the care my mother has received at this particular facility. She has made a happy transition due to the loving care she receives from her caregivers. For example, when she is in the hallway, staff smile and greet her by her first name. The reality is that no retirement home is perfect, but for the most part, my mother is clean, dressed, her room is kept clean, and any extra needs are addressed in a timely manner. The recreation staff also goes out of their way to include her in daily activities. She is happy, engaged and comfortable, which makes me happy and comfortable
Mary
Mary
This has been a wonderful place for my mom. After her stroke, she has been ...
Read More
Sandi
This has been a wonderful place for my mom. After her stroke, she has been well taken care of. The staff is caring and wonderful. The food is good. No where is perfect, but Wyoming does a great job. . . Much better than my experience with two other facilities I have experience with in this area. Whenever we have had a minor problem or concern, they have responded immediately and taken care of it.
Sandi
Sandi
This is a great facility that we found for both of my parents to live ...
Read More
Jeffery
This is a great facility that we found for both of my parents to live out their final days. Parents rave about the food, but even more importantly the staff. From the cleaning staff to the Facility manager, everyone seems to be equally focused on patient care. Staff calls my parents by name when they walk through the halls, making it more personal. This is a facility worth looking into. Parents had an apartment at Holland Home, but needed a 2 bedroom apartment with assisted living care. They accommodated their needs perfectly!
Jeffery
Jeffery
I have here for many years now. It has been a privilege to work here, ...
Read More
Sarah
I have here for many years now. It has been a privilege to work here, and also have my own family live within this community, and also another property. The care team takes great care of my family, and I never have to worry when I am not there with him. We have endured different management changes throughout the years and the current team with have is all invested for the right reasons! Culinary brings a vibrant flare to meals mixing home cooked meal flavors to 5 star resort, Health and & Wellness is hands on everyday caring for all members, Residential services keeps the building inside and out looking top notch, and keeps housekeeping in white glove test standards. Activities has grown tremendously over the years and we are always doing something new and fun whether its a new Yoga class, or learning how to swing dance. The one thing that sets this community apart is from the moment you walk in you feel the warmth and family like environment. It truly is "Full of Life"
Sarah
Sarah
A very neat and clean facility. Staff were very helpful to us. Reasonably quiet. All ...
Read More
Doug
A very neat and clean facility. Staff were very helpful to us. Reasonably quiet. All good in my book.
Doug
Doug
My husband and visited his Mom this afternoon, and she was very comfortable in...
Read More
Dawn
My husband and visited his Mom this afternoon, and she was very comfortable in her room. Laundry was being done, as promised. We had some other questions, and Ashley was able to answer them to our satisfaction. She will have her 1-month anniversary of being a community member on Sunday, June 11. It is a beautiful and caring environment at  Wyoming.
Dawn
Dawn

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.