Our bodies naturally change over the years. This is normal, but sometimes, older adults struggle to get the nutrients they need. However, proper nutrition makes a big difference in a person’s quality of life. It directly affects healthy aging and overall wellness.
Proper nutrition nourishes the body, protects the brain, and helps older adults maintain their strength and energy. When a person gets the right nutrients, they’re more likely to enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle. However, some daily challenges may affect a person’s appetite and habits, so proper support is essential.
How Nutrition Affects the Body
As we age, our bodies undergo changes that make proper nutrition even more important. A balanced diet helps maintain muscle mass, bone density, and immune function. These are all key factors for quality of life.
Adequate hydration helps regulate temperature, supports joint and organ function, and keeps energy levels steady. Calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium support bone density and reduce the risk of fractures as people age.
There is a problem, though. It can be difficult to work all of these into a balanced diet. Fortunately, most of these can be found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
How Nutrition Affects Cognitive Health
Our brains rely on steady nutrient intake to maintain function. Diets rich in omega‑3 fatty acids and plant compounds are excellent for the mind. They help protect cognitive performance and may slow decline with age. Meanwhile, nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, and antioxidants support nerve function and memory health.
This is why diets like the Mediterranean‑DASH or MIND diet are ideal for older adults. These emphasize vegetables, berries, legumes, fish, and whole grains. All of these are linked to longer brain health and may lower the risk of cognitive decline.
Why Do Some Older Adults Struggle to Maintain a Healthier Diet?
A healthy diet significantly affects a person’s quality of life. However, many older adults face everyday challenges that make healthy eating more challenging.
Physical Challenges
Physical challenges like limited mobility make meal prep and grocery shopping harder. Your loved one may struggle to cut their food or open containers. It could even be as simple as not wanting to go through the effort of preparing food.
If this is the case, it could help to sign them up for a meal subscription service. Or, if needed, you could offer to help prepare meals for them or assist with grocery shopping.
Money
Budget constraints can limit access to fresh, nutrient-rich foods. Many older adults rely on fixed incomes, but these make it harder to prioritize healthy eating. If your loved one struggles with their finances, it may help to look into resources like food banks in your area.
Decreased Appetite
Aging often leads to changes in taste and smell, which can reduce appetite. Medications may also contribute to a lack of interest in food, making it harder to consume enough nutrients. If you suspect this is the case, visit a healthcare professional to discuss your loved one’s options.
How to Help an Older Loved One Follow a Healthier Diet
Supporting a loved one in maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s all about making small, healthy adjustments to their everyday routine.
It helps to:
- Plan meals together to include their favorite healthy foods.
- Offer smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
- Keep healthy snacks like fruits or nuts readily available.
- Stay hydrated by encouraging water or herbal tea instead of sugary drinks.
- Add variety to meals to make them more appealing and enjoyable.
- Be patient and supportive to help them stay consistent with positive changes.
These small steps can make a big difference in promoting better nutrition and overall health.
How Senior Living Supports Proper Nutrition
A healthier diet is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. That’s why communities like ours offer convenient dining options to help older adults maintain their overall health. Every meal in our community is customized to meet every person’s needs and preferences. This way, following a proper diet is easier than ever.
Here, we combine a restaurant-style fine dining experience with the comfort of a relaxed, calm atmosphere. To make things more exciting, we also offer our Around the World Dining program, which brings all kinds of new meals to your loved one’s life. Your loved one can enjoy childhood classics or something new, all built around their unique preferences.
Health & Wellness in Everyday Life
Nutrition is a cornerstone of healthy aging. It helps older adults feel stronger, clearer, and more engaged in their daily lives. We know how important this is to older adults—that’s why our community goes above and beyond to make a healthy lifestyle more achievable than ever.
Here at Peregrine Senior Living at Crossgate, we love helping residents achieve their wellness goals. In our community, we always help our residents every day—it’s what every person here deserves. Schedule a visit today to learn more about how we can help your loved one!
