Nutritional Benefits of Senior Living Community: 4 Benefits to Healthy Eating
It is no secret that the aging adults of today are healthier, more active, and more food-savvy than generations before them.
At Menno Haven, culinary is important to us because choice matters!
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Services, 7.5% of households with an older adult, and 8.9% of older adults living alone were food insecure at some point during 2018. Having easy access to proper nutrition has many benefits, especially as we age. Here are four ways eating Menno Haven’s nutritious and delicious culinary offerings can improve your overall quality of life.
Strengthened memory
We all know the stress caused by being forgetful: Where are my keys? Why did I come into this room again? Did I take that bill to the post office? The act of being forgetful can especially worry us as we age.
Meals packed with vitamins B-6, B-12, niacin (B-3), and folic acid are known to help reduce homocysteine levels in the body. High levels of homocysteine have been linked to memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease, so these vitamins and minerals can help your body lower the amino acid.
Some other ways to strengthen memory are eating green vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids, which also support brain health and the fight against memory disorders.
Improved mood
Eating three nutritious meals per day can stabilize blood sugars, which can balance your mood. By lowering your intake of processed sugar and caffeine, and making sure you have enough protein and whole-grain carbohydrates, you can maintain blood sugars, no matter if you are a diabetic or not.
In the winter, we don’t get outside as much, so you must be eating foods rich in vitamin D to increase your absorption, such as cheese, egg yolks, and foods fortified with vitamin D.
Leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids can pull double-duty in each meal by improving your memory and your mood.
Healthy immune system
By continuing healthy eating, you will boost your body’s fighting power against bacteria and viruses. A poor diet could lead your body to produce inflammation and overwork itself, preventing the extra boost when it needs it. Add in some probiotics through yogurt for good gut health, try garlic for an immune boost, and have an orange for a punch of vitamin C.
Maintained healthy weight
By maintaining a healthy weight, you can stave off the effects of certain diseases and disorders, and also improve your overall health and mood by being able to get around easier for movement and exercise, which is also vitally important to your health.
We offer world-class dining options for nutritious and delicious meals in several dining venues! This includes our casual and relaxed About Thyme Bistro, Blue Willow Café, and Cypress Café, or enjoy the bright and o[pen kitchen of the Life Center Grille and Coffee Shoppe. For special dinners or occasions, enjoy a 5-star dining experience in our Chestnut Landing Restaurant.
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Menno Haven provides a world-class atmosphere for senior living in Chambersburg, PA. Our location is the area’s largest and most well-respected retirement community, as we bring a holistic approach to meet the mind, body, and spirit of each individual.
Interested in learning more about Menno Haven? Contact us or call (717) 262.2373