10 TIPSfor Healthy Eating

Table of Contents

What You’ll Learn

Resident Preferences

10 Ways to Boost

Menu Offerings

The Impact of Supplements

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A healthy diet is essential to a

senior’s well-being whether or not

they suffer from an illness or disease.

Poor nutrition continues to be a

serious problem that affects nearly

one in two seniors, and all too

often, seniors are lacking important

nutrients to stay healthy.

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What You’ll Learn

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Take a moment to read this ebook to learn 10 ways to improve community offerings that help optimize resident health.

One of the first questions any prospective resident asks

a community is how the food tastes and what is included

in the dietary service offering. Seniors look for quality

and flavor (even though the number of taste buds drops

as individuals age). Today’s more food-savvy residents are

increasingly looking for trending options like:

While those options are attractive, it’s important

that the cuisine offered within any community provides

key nourishment to protect seniors against disease

and failing health. A balanced dietary offering

is critical in positioning a community for growth in

a competitive market.

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Resident Preferences

Cultural and ethnic cuisines

Healthy alternatives such as gluten-free

Vegetarian and vegan menus

Locally sourced ingredients

Fresh food made from scratch

Dining options like food trucks, lounges, and coffee kiosk

Good fats: Healthy fats like omega-6 from items like avocado and omega-3 found in salmon can help reduce inflammation.

Variety: Eating a variety of items from all food groups is important to a well-balanced meal and ensuring optimal nutrition.

Seasoning: Food flavored with herbs and spices instead of salt like ginger, garlic, and turmeric can give a burst of flavor as well as health benefits.

Protein-rich foods: As individuals age, protein synthesis decreases so high-protein diets are important to maintaining muscle mass.

Water: Even though seniors may not feel thirsty, it’s important to stay hydrated to avoid drowsiness and confusion.

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10 Ways to Boost Menu Offerings

Carbohydrates: Since 45–65 percent of the day’s calories should come from carbohydrates, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables should be on the menu to help the body function well.

Colorful options: Bright colored foods are not only more attractive but reflect the variety that’s important to a healthy meal

Creative: With the growing preference for non-traditional offerings, healthy, creative food experiences can stimulate seniors’ appetites so introduce new dishes regularly.

Low calorie choices: Adults need fewer calories as they age, so foods lower in calories can help residents lose weight, which can also reduce their risk for certain medical conditions such as diabetes.

Reduced sugar options: Seniors should avoid refined sugars in favor of foods that are naturally sweet like fruits and vegetables like yams.

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A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

study revealed that elderly people eat less food, with an

average 30% decline in energy intake between the ages of 20

and 80 years of age. Since seniors take in less food throughout

the day, the reduction can also mean they’re missing out

on important nutrients. Other factors such as medications

can also negatively impact a senior’s ability to meet their

daily nutritional requirements by altering an individuals’

sense of smell and taste. It can lead to poor appetite, poor

dental health, and other health concerns that make eating

uncomfortable.

When a senior’s (looking for consistency throughout)

intake isn’t sufficient enough to offer the necessary health

benefits, they may opt to incorporate supplements into their

daily regimen and boost their levels of vitamins, minerals,

and nutrients. Common supplements among seniors are

B-vitamins, calcium and vitamin D, fiber, iron, and potassium.

When supplements are used, it’s important to understand any

potential interaction with prescription medications that could

cause adverse effects.

A study in JAMA Internal Medicine showed that one in

six older adults is taking a combination of prescription

medications, over-the-counter drugs, or dietary supplements

that could cause a major interaction. For example, a common

supplement, omega-3 fish oil, can increase bleeding risk, a

potential danger for patients taking warfarin. A community’s

pharmacy provider can help determine how a supplement may

impact medication management and identify possible adverse

drug reactions or polypharmacy issues.

The Impact of Supplements

older adults is taking a combination of prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or dietary supplements that could cause a major interaction.

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According to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine

As a long term care pharmacy that specializes in assisted living, PharMerica can help communities overcome challenges with supplement

interactions and improve the quality of resident care. Contact us at info@PharMerica.com or 855-637-1755 to learn more.

PharMerica.com