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A balanced diet is absolutely mandatory for staying physically healthy for as long as can be. It also helps to fuel a more active lifestyle, and it will obviously keep an individual’s weight in check as well. When it comes to seniors, a good diet is especially important. It can provide numerous benefits such as stronger bones, higher cognitive abilities, a better memory, a healthier digestive tract, and so on.
Even so, many seniors unfortunately begin skipping meals or making other poor choices with their food at some point. This is obviously of great detriment to their overall quality of life. Without balanced meals, the likelihood of health risks such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol rises dramatically.
The Problem Of Eating Alone
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These days, most American families eat separately. It’s becoming less and less common for family members to gather around a table to share a meal and reminisce. This is par for the course with busy lifestyles or a preoccupation with the creature comforts of whatever one’s room may be decked out with, but there are some obvious drawbacks at play. Statistically, families that refrain from eating together tend to have poorer health overall, and they often make choices with their diets that lead to a vast array of health problems.
This all ties directly into the problem of many seniors having such poor diets. They often eat alone for a wide variety of reasons, and this can easily lead to immune system disorders, weight problems, or malnutrition. The latter can even bring on a host of other problems, such as weakness and frailty that will poorly affect other aspects of life.
Recent studies have found that one out of every five seniors suffers from extreme feelings of loneliness when they eat without loved ones around. Whether no other family members or friends are around or they simply can’t get out of the house anymore, steps must be taken to mitigate the problem. It’s far more important than most likely realize.
How Eating Meals Together Can Improve Senior Nutrition
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On the other side of all this, studies also show that having someone to regularly share meals with is a great boon to senior health. In a social setting, there will be less chance of under-eating or poor food choices. When eating alone, most people reach for whatever is convenient rather than what is truly filling or healthy. Being able to gather around the table with loved ones creates a nourishing environment that’s also just as important as the quality of the food. Sharing meals together allows for camaraderie, laughter, and thoughtful conversation. The sense of togetherness also helps make seniors feel as if they’re still important and welcome. This is a far more uplifting feeling than the one experienced upon eating alone for the umpteenth time.
One of the best resources for facilitating this is through a senior living community. In regard to senior care Houston TX locals tend to enjoy social meals with well a balanced diet and nutrition. They’ll be able to make their own choices and sit together with others in a welcoming restaurant-like setting where they can really enjoy themselves. Positive relationships and friendships will form, a feat that gives many seniors a new sense of purpose later in life. With a host of new experiences and challenges coming their way, there’s less chance of them falling to the depression that tends to set in among seniors that are living alone. Having a sense of belonging is one of the most important aspects for anyone of any age.
What To Expect From The Meals
Senior residents will be able to choose from several different entrees. The meals are made from fresh ingredients and cooked on-site. Custom dishes might even be available in order to cater to selective taste buds. The chefs work hard to prepare each dish properly, and they are well versed in making meals that are appropriate for those with unique dietary needs.
The Importance Of Social Eating For The Health Of Seniors
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Being able to share meals with others will likely make seniors feel more at home. While eating separately may be the norm these days, that wasn’t really the case for seniors that grew up many decades ago. Not having anyone around to share a table with and discuss the day can be especially troubling. Without that sense of togetherness, they may become withdrawn and begin feeling more and more depressed.
MOVE DOWN Seniors that live by themselves will often skip entire meals or only eat pre-packaged foods out of convenience. Their diets are rarely balanced in any way. As mentioned above, this opens up a host of potential health problems that will inevitably rob them of many more potential years.
As people age, our bodies change in a wide variety of ways. What we eat can obviously play a vital part in mitigating the worst possibilities. As the metabolism begins to slow down, our ability to engage in activities takes a similar dive. Appetites decrease, and the number of calories needed throughout the day also diminishes. The need for more medications that tends to come with older age also helps decrease the urge to eat full, healthy meals. Other issues such as dental health can also dissuade proper eating.
By enrolling an elder loved one in a senior care facility, you’ll give them the best chance for enjoying their twilight years and avoiding all of these problems. Their diets and nutrition can be closely monitored. The ability to actually maintain their bonds with others while they eat and engage in other activities will also keep them mentally young. With more to do and a sense of belonging and purpose, they will be able to flourish rather than wilt away. While many families put off such decisions until it’s too late, accepting that your parents or grandparents may need these level of care could be the best thing for them. Don’t hesitate to get in touch as soon as possible if you have more questions.
Author’s Bio
Since her childhood days, Angela has already admired those people who give primary care to the oldies. Because of her passion towards elders, she decided to take Physical Therapy in college which specializes rehabilitation for the elders. During her free time, she writes in her journal about the different moments she had with the elders that she loves most.
