Healthy Living in Assisted Living – Nutrition and Wellness Tips for Seniors

Regular exercise, from chair yoga to water exercise classes, strengthens bones and muscles, boosts cognition, and reduces depression. Senior living communities often offer these classes and make it easy to participate in them.

Many communities also encourage family involvement with birthday and holiday celebrations, concerts, art shows, and more. Keeping in contact with friends and family is another vital facet of wellness.

Healthy Meal Plans

The meal planning staff at many senior living communities work hard to ensure that residents have healthy options. They can often accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies to ensure your loved ones can enjoy a variety of foods and nutrients.

Aim for brightly colored fruits, vegetables, and beans to add eye appeal to each meal. Try adding different seasonings, herbs, and spices to food for more flavor.

Reduce sugar intake for better health; consuming too much-refined sugar can lead to weight gain and heightened diabetes risk. Swap sweets for a healthier option like berries or dark chocolate.

Staying active is essential, even for seniors who may need more mobile. A sedentary lifestyle increases a senior’s risk for heart disease, so it’s vital to integrate regular physical activity into a daily routine. Many senior living communities offer weekly, monthly, or daily exercise classes tailored to each resident’s needs. These programs can include chair yoga, Zumba, or Tai Chi.

Variety is Key

Access to healthy food is vital to good health and becomes even more critical as we age. Eating well can help prevent disease and maintain muscle, reduce heart disease risk, and decrease the need for medication.

A diet low in sugar, fat, and sodium is vital for anyone, especially seniors at a higher risk of health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. Many Life Plan Communities (also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities or CCRCs) have on-site dieticians who help design balanced meals for residents that incorporate the recommended nutrients.

Regular exercise is also critical to maintaining a strong body and mind. Most assisted living Bradenton, Florida residences have daily exercise programs, including chair yoga, Tai Chi, and other activities to get people moving. Many also offer private fitness rooms and personal trainers that can provide more individualized wellness tips for seniors.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is a genuine concern for older adults. It can hurt long-term health and wellness, and seniors must prioritize fluid intake.

Those living in assisted living should drink plenty of fluids—approximately 3.7 liters per day for men and 2.7 liters for women. They should also avoid foods and drinks high in sodium, sugar, and caffeine. It is best to drink before hunger strikes, and residents should be encouraged to keep a reusable water bottle within reach so it’s easy to sip throughout the day.

Water is the preferred beverage since it doesn’t add extra calories, but milk and unsweetened juices can help meet hydration needs, too. Limiting caffeinated drinks, such as coffee and tea, is also a good idea because they can trigger dehydration. Those who take diuretics, which help reduce swelling, must also be especially vigilant about hydration. These medicines dehydrate the body, which can throw off electrolyte balance, a significant risk factor for heart complications.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Getting plenty of restful sleep is essential for everyone, but it’s necessary for seniors because the brain eliminates the toxins that build up during the day. Unfortunately, many older adults have difficulty falling and staying asleep. This is because of age-related changes, medication side effects, and other factors.

Fortunately, most assisted living residents live on a scheduled system, and staff will help them to get as much restful sleep as possible. They will help them to follow a regular bedtime routine and to avoid using electronic devices a few hours before sleeping. They may also recommend limiting caffeine consumption and avoiding over-indulging in alcohol before going to bed.

Getting enough restful sleep will help your loved one feel energized and boost their mood. They will be able to concentrate better and will be less prone to depression, which can affect the immune system and cause problems with sleep. A good night’s sleep can also improve memory and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.