Nutrition and dining options in senior living is an important thing. The culinary experience at a luxury senior living community is so much more than just a meal. Eating well is an important part of your overall health and wellness. Having meals prepared by chefs who are focused on nutrition is a huge benefit in a senior living community. In addition to chef-prepared meals, nutrition counseling is also available to residents. Good food should be part of the culture and quality of life in senior living. At Parkway Place, chefs ensure meals meet daily needs when it comes to nutrients.
To find out more about senior nutrition counseling at senior living communities, call the Parkway Place team and schedule a tour.
Nutrition and Dining Options in Senior Living
To meet the needs of the diverse population in a senior living community and the different ways that people prefer to eat, a variety of options are available. Outside of what you can cook yourself in your own kitchen (in independent living), one of the biggest benefits of residing in a senior living community is that meals can be prepared for you. Most senior living communities offer a version of these types of meal options:
- Casual grab-and-go items
- Community dining room meals
- Private dining availability
- In-room takeout options
- Special culinary events for holidays and other occasions
In addition to the various dining options, nutrition counseling is also available through on-staff nutrition counselors who are dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of the residents.
Nutrition Counseling
When making meal choices—and cooking for yourself— it can be a challenge to know for sure that you are picking the right things. In addition, one’s nutrition needs can change over time. Having experts available to answer questions and better guide you on a healthy nutritional path, is invaluable.
As a senior, it is important to pay attention to some key nutritional needs:
Bone health
To maintain healthy bones, certain vitamins in your diet are necessary. These include Vitamin D and calcium which can be found in dark leafy greens and dairy products.
Cognitive health
Staying mentally sharp helps to preserve one’s memory and other cognitive functions. Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants that support these efforts, along with Omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, and flaxseed contain these nutrients.
Energy levels
B vitamins support vitality and positivity and help to avoid mental health conditions like depression as you age. Try greens, eggs, meat, milk and salmon as good sources of B vitamins.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is important for everyone, no matter your age. The feeling of being thirsty can lessen with age, so making a conscious effort to drink water, or eat foods with a lot of water (like watermelon and cucumber), is key.
A nutrition counselor can work with you to customize your diet and make meal choices that make the most sense for you and your unique needs. Having someone to support, remind, and guide you can ensure you are making the healthiest choices possible when it comes to dining in a senior living community.
Ask a Specialist at Parkway Place About Senior Nutrition and Dining Options
Eating healthy is important to support a healthy lifestyle as you age. Making good meal choices and knowing how to cook healthy for yourself should both be a focus in senior living communities. Parkway Place offers numerous meal options thoughtfully prepared by on-staff chefs. Real food is prepared for real people, with a focus on feeding the body and the soul. Nutrition counselors are also available to help guide seniors to make healthy food choices.
Call Parkway Place today at 281.305.1846 to learn more about senior living and dining options.