A healthy balanced diet is the key to wellness and vitality at every stage of life. While it's easier to make a healthy diet a priority when you're raising young children, seniors may find it more difficult to keep up with the challenges of maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet. Fortunately, just a bit of time and intention can help cultivate a healthy diet for seniors.  Doing so will make them as healthy as they can be.

5 Steps to a Healthy Diet For seniors

1. Focus on Fresh

Fresh fruits and vegetables are one of the most essential components of a healthy diet for seniors. Fruits like berries and citrus are great sources of vitamins.  Additionally, vegetables in a rainbow of colors will provide most of the necessary nutrients. But not everyone likes to eat fruits and vegetables or knows how to prepare them. That's why experienced nutrition staff in an assisted living environment can be such valuable partners in helping your loved ones have a healthy diet.

2. Power Up with Protein

Another important part of a healthy balanced diet is eating enough protein. Protein builds and maintains muscle, which is crucial at every stage of the life span. Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that consuming enough protein may prevent or delay some of the declines in muscle tone associated with aging. As a result, protein is one of the most important components of cultivating a healthy diet for seniors.

3. Just a Little Sweetness

Everyone loves a sweet treat every now and then. But a diet that's too high in sugar and other simple carbohydrates could actually lead to cognitive impairment in seniors. Creating a carefully planned diet can ensure that your loved one eats an appropriate amount of sweetness. Life in a senior community can also focus the joy of eating on the shared experience instead of on empty calories.

4. Bulk Up with Fiber

Fiber is an essential part of a healthy balanced diet at every age. It helps you feel full and satisfied for longer, and the Mayo Clinic reports that fiber helps lower cholesterol levels, balance blood sugar levels and maintain a lower weight. Additionally, fiber is especially important in promoting healthy regularity in seniors.

5. Food and Fun

It is absolutely crucial to provide healthy, nutritious food for your loved one. However, another important part of maintaining a healthy diet for seniors is making sure they still enjoy the fun aspect of food, too. Here at Senior Solutions, we have special events where we provide special breakfasts and homemade treats to bring a little joy to the day.

A healthy diet for seniors is more essential than ever to support wellness during their aging years. However, seniors often struggle to plan and prepare the foods they need to stay well. Contact one of our top-notch senior living communities to let us do the work of maintaining a healthy diet for your senior loved one.  You'll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your loved one is getting the care they deserve, and having a little fun, too.