Making 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.

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we understand it is important for our residents to eat a nutritionally rich diet, which is why mealtime is both a social event as well as the opportunity to eat healthy, delicious foods.  Our meals are served restaurant-style so residents can sit and enjoy the company and a relaxing meal.  Please visit our website to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our beautiful senior living community.     

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  Please contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Source: choosemyplate.gov/older-adults