Article provided by Assisted Living Magazine.
Special dietary attention is helpful in itself to any person seeking to improve nutrition, reduce the risk of health problems, address specific conditions, or maintain overall health. However, it becomes even more critical, if not essential, for people in their golden years as bodies naturally weaken and wither with age.
The Difference Between “Healthy Eating” and a Curated Diet
We often hear that processed foods are bad, fruits and veggies are healthy, and sugar and fat should be limited, among other ideas. Most people are bombarded with these concepts as they grow up. While these pieces of advice and general health guidelines are undoubtedly beneficial, “healthy eating” does not guarantee that it is the best fit for someone’s current health condition and specific needs. The power of a curated diet by professionals is unmatched because it is tailored to address our individual goals, minimize the risk of our health concerns, and more.
As people age, simply “eating healthy” won’t suffice. Seniors are especially prone to chewing difficulties, decreased appetite and energy needs, hormonal changes, reduced capacity to taste, and more. Not to mention the diverse nutritional requirements that accompany each individual’s needs. For example, fruits, generally considered healthy, may not be a good option for seniors with diabetes because they can spike blood glucose levels, including concentrated sugar from dried fruits. For those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, raw vegetables such as carrots or broccoli, typically deemed healthy, can be hard to chew. Changes in taste and smell may make them very sensitive to heavily seasoned foods or the tough textures of chewy bread and steak. This is the prime reason why a curated diet or tailored meal plans are very helpful for addressing the diverse and specific needs of seniors.
Benefits of a Curated Diet for Seniors
Addressing Age-Related Challenges
As mentioned in the previous parts, there comes a point in our lives where we start to experience age-related health challenges. The elderly are at a higher risk of nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition due to various factors that affect their eating habits, such as difficulty chewing or swallowing, managing chronic diseases, physical or mental decline, and more. A curated diet is the surest and most fitting answer to these challenges. It’s like a puzzle piece that fits perfectly to address the aspect that needs fixing. Not only does this approach consider all health issues, but it also helps seniors prevent other health concerns from accumulating or developing over time.
Cultural and Ethnic Considerations
Seniors in communities may come from different walks of life, meaning they may have varying ethical and cultural considerations when it comes to the food they eat. Having a curated diet may address two needs at once, as it takes into account awareness and consideration of these preferences while ensuring that individual nutritional needs are met. This may involve managing seniors’ love for Southern cuisine in the US, which often includes foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol, or seniors’ avoidance of Haram (forbidden) foods in Islam, such as pork and its by-products. Understanding these preferences prompts tailored meal plans to seek alternatives or be resourceful.
Managing Medication Interactions
Since it was mentioned that seniors may have their own maintenance medications or certain foods they like or need to eat, it’s important to consider how the two interact, and this can only be done with intensive and professional meal planning. It’s important for care providers to consider that some foods can interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of medications. For example, high-sodium foods can interact with certain blood pressure medications, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers.
Supportive Community Environment
Amazing meal times are not just beneficial for health. They also enable seniors to feel more secure and well taken care of. This fosters a much calmer and healthier atmosphere. Staff can be actively involved and transparent with these dietary needs and meal planning, building stronger bonds with seniors and fostering trust. All of these aspects essentially promote overall health and wellness in a senior community.
Conclusion
Merely adhering to phrases like “eat your greens” may not suffice to ensure seniors maintain the highest possible level of health. A curated diet is a non-negotiable aspect of healthy aging, particularly within care communities. The elderly must receive proper guidance regarding their food choices, with healthy meals tailored to their specific needs and preferences. This approach can contribute to fostering a happy and engaging community and enhancing quality of life, while also creating a safer environment, helping manage age-related illnesses, and minimizing the impact of aging to the community as a whole.