We all know that no matter what your age, eating well is very important. But, unfortunately, as we age, medical problems can interfere with a healthy diet:

• Appetite can decrease, or a problem with nutrient absorption may develop.
• Changes in the palate can make foods taste dull or boring, thus diminishing the pleasure of eating.
• Cooking can become a burden, especially if you are only cooking for only one person.

As a result, much to their own and their family members’ concern, some older adults begin to not eat as healthfully as they age.

Exceeding the Nutritional Guidelines for Seniors
To counter the problems that are sometimes associated with aging and healthy eating, senior living communities are often able offer a very viable alternative. Within most senior living scenarios, meals that are prepared and served typically exceed the recommended daily nutritional content suggested by federal guidelines. Most senior living communities also provide residents with plenty of healthy and tasty choices. Furthermore, these dining programs offer one more, often overlooked ingredient . . . social interaction for their diners.

Food for the Soul
Beyond providing a variety of often delicious and typically nutritious meals, senior living dining rooms provide “food for the soul” in the form of conversation and camaraderie with friends, neighbors and staff. This additional, key ingredient in one’s life can make a big difference in a person’s outlook. The social outlet and sense of community that is offered within senior living communities’ dining rooms is often the “main course” when it comes to making a significant difference in an individual’s healthy lifestyle.