Good nutrition is crucial at all stages of life, and as we age, our needs change slightly. A recent study found that older adults with good nutrition were at a lower risk of developing daily activity limitations (15.2% vs. 19.6%) and less likely to suffer from depression (11.8% vs. 14.9%).
Healthy meal plans for assisted senior living communities are an essential part of their services. Communities support residents to live healthier, more active, and more fulfilling lives when they provide good food that meets their nutritional needs. However, it takes a lot of thought and good planning to craft meal options in senior care that are appealing and nutritious.
Let’s take a closer look at some key considerations when meal planning and how to achieve these goals.
Nutrition for Seniors: Key Facts
The USDA sets out specific recommendations for good nutrition for seniors. These guidelines need to form the foundation when planning healthy eating options in senior care.
Variety Is Essential
The USDA advises that choosing foods from each group can help lower the risk of developing certain chronic diseases, including:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
It breaks down all foods into five primary groups:
- Fruits – further subdivided into whole fruit and fruit juice
- Vegetables – includes dark green, red, and orange vegetables as well as starchy veggies, like potatoes and corn
- Grains – whole grains and refined grains (eg white bread and pasta)
- Protein foods – seafood, meat, poultry, eggs, and nuts
- Dairy – milk, cheese, and yogurt
The latest dietary guidelines include an important caveat. They recommend that we consume more whole fruits than fruit juice and choose milk and yogurt more often than cheese. Make sure your meal plans include these healthy choices in tasty recipes.
Michigan State University advises seniors to limit juice intake to one cup per day as it doesn’t contain fiber. Fiber slows down sugar absorption, meaning juice can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes. Instead of focusing on juice, look to include a range of fresh fruit in meal options in senior care each day.
Include Healthy Protein
The standard guidance is that adults need 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. However, research cited by The National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging suggests that seniors may benefit from more. Up to 1-1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight may be more appropriate.
Although we may associate protein with meat, there are many other sources we can include in a balanced meal plan for assisted senior living. These options can help meet the protein needs of those who do not eat meat for dietary or cultural reasons.
Non-meat sources of protein include:
- Low-fat Greek yogurt – 24 grams per cup
- Cooked lentils – 17 grams per cup
- Low-fat milk – 8 grams per cup
- Quinoa – 8 grams per cup
Include Essential Micronutrients
There are 13 essential vitamins and minerals. Some foods include these naturally, while others are fortified with them. These include:
- Vitamin B1 – found in meat and fish, but also in some fortified breads and cereals
- Potassium – found in lentils, potatoes, and milk
- Calcium – in dairy foods, soybeans, and green leafy vegetables
Healthy Meal Plans for Assisted Senior Living
The key is to build a menu that includes these essential nutrients, all packaged in a way that will get seniors excited about coming for meals. Here are a few sample meals you could prepare.
Breakfast
Give them a protein boost with bacon, eggs, and yogurt. Stock a variety of low-sugar, whole-grain cereals served with skim milk. Be sure to include a range of cut fruit to make it easy for seniors to include fruit in their morning routine.
Lunch
Lunch is a great chance to present healthy versions of hearty classics that will appeal to all. Consider meatloaf, pot roast, or beef stroganoff served with vegetables.
Quick classics like grilled cheese with a side of tomato soup can be made more healthy. Switch out white bread for wholemeal and use less fat. Making tomato soup on-site allows you to control the sodium and sugar levels.
Dinner
Build a range of entrees around healthy protein options, such as shrimp scampi, grilled salmon, or chicken breast. Pair this with tasty vegetable options, such as ratatouille. Also, consider offering comforting classics with a healthy twist, such as spaghetti and meatballs.
Make sure there are vegetable sides and salads on offer. Many seniors may prefer something lighter, so include soup and rolls. Deserts should not be off the menu! However, carefully choose lower fat and sugar options.
Managing Special Diet Plans
Some people living in senior homes will doubtless have special dietary requirements. These could include low-sugar diets for people with diabetes and gluten-free diets for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. How can we meet these diverse needs?
Healthy but Appealing
First, while the food needs to meet these dietary needs, it also needs to be appealing. This is the only way to help seniors engage with and enjoy their food day in and day out. So, think about how to add flavor while adhering to the dietary restrictions.
With careful seasoning, bland foods can be made appealing. Also, think about how to pack as much nutrition as possible into the smaller portions seniors generally eat. Foods that contain healthy fats, such as avocado and olive oil, can be helpful, along with low-sugar granola and other options.
Celiac Considerations
Remember, if you have residents with celiac disease, it is not enough simply to use gluten-free products. It is important to use dedicated equipment and a separate space to store and prepare gluten-free foods to avoid cross-contamination. This takes careful planning, but it is worth it to provide great nutrition and enjoyable food to people with celiac disease.
Enjoy Restaurant-Style Dining Every Day At TerraBella Roswell
At TerraBella Roswell, we have created a senior assisted living and memory care community that puts health at the heart of everything we do. This focus starts with nutrition. Our restaurant-style dining provides a range of tasty dishes that are designed to meet the needs of seniors while tasting delicious.
Our restaurant is also a great place to mingle with other residents and enjoy good company while you eat. Talk to us about any special dietary requirements you have and how we can accommodate them.
Ready to take a tour? Reach out and schedule one today!
