A MacArthur Foundation Study found that 70% of how we age is determined by our lifestyle and not our genetics. That means things like exercise and what we eat play an important role in our later years and help prove the age-old adage, “you are what you eat.”
Because food contains the building blocks our bodies need to heal and fuel ourselves and we all eat and snack several times a day, eating healthy can make a big difference in our overall well-being. Of course, when we’re younger, we have a little more leeway in what we put on our plate. But as we age, what we don’t eat can start to affect our overall health and wellness.
As the holiday season approaches with all its tempting snacks, desserts, and other traditional food items, healthy eating can be the last thing on our minds. Another famous quote, this time from writer Oscar Wilde, says, “All things in moderation, including moderation.”
To help you navigate the holidays, here are some senior nutrition tips for the holiday season.
The effects of poor nutrition and diet can lead to a variety of health concerns for older adults, including:
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) says a healthy meal should include:
Additional healthy eating tips for seniors include:
Know the nutrition facts. The healthiest foods are whole foods. These are often found on the perimeter of the grocery store in the produce, meat, and dairy sections. For packaged foods, read the labels to find items that are lower in fat, added sugars and sodium, and high in Vitamin D.
Use recommended servings. During the holidays, it can all smell and look so good making it easier to overeat. The American Heart Association provides these recommended daily servings for adults aged 60+.
Stay hydrated. Drink small amounts of fluids throughout the day. Tea, coffee, and water are the best choices. Keep fluids with sugar and salt at a minimum.
At Santa Marta, our talented culinary team knows how to balance nutrition and taste, so you can worry less about holiday diet tips for seniors and instead focus on celebrating everything that makes this time of year special: friends, family, and food. In a close-knit community like ours, it feels like one big happy family with the entire community decked out in its holiday finery. Plus, everyone is even more social than usual. To learn more about our independent living community, contact one of our helpful senior living counselors. They’ll be happy to show you around and even treat you to lunch.
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