Eating habits and nutritional needs change as people grow older. Many start to take a handful of vitamins every morning. Slowing metabolism causes you to consume less food. Maybe you’re too tired to cook meals as often. But are these facts of life or symptoms of something more serious? Senior malnutrition is a significant problem, with 1 out of every 4 seniors suffering from inadequate nutrition.
Even if you’re at a healthy weight, it’s important to remain conscious of overall health. Despite slowing metabolism, the body actually needs more nutrients as people age because its ability to absorb nutrients decreases.
So, you’re taking that handful of vitamins, but what else can you do to prevent senior malnutrition?
Appetite is Important
Appetite changes happen naturally as people grow older, but a dramatic loss of appetite shouldn’t be simply attributed to a slowing metabolism. Around the age of retirement, metabolism does start to decline in most people and that’s not a cause for concern by itself. Because as people age, they aren’t as active, so fewer calories are burned. But if you’re not hungry at all or skipping meals, that could be a sign of something more serious.
Appetite loss can also be caused by an illness or medication interaction. Medications can also cause a change in taste that makes food less appetizing. If your sense of taste has decreased, then dental problems could also be a factor.
Inconvenient Truth About Convenient Food
Preparing meals and buying the necessary ingredients can become more difficult with age due to arthritis or something as simple as lack of energy. So, it’s common for seniors to start buying frozen dinners that are more convenient to prepare. But these convenient foods are often high in sodium and fats, so they could be causing more harm than good.
That’s why the prepared meals at senior living communities are so valuable. Unlike the nursing home stereotypes, meals at Melrose Meadows are delicious, prepared in-house, and you can even pick between a couple of options to suit your tastes. Plus, you always have your own kitchen or kitchenette if you’re in the mood to prepare a meal yourself!
Dinner is Time to Socialize
Social activity and engagement are good for mental health and dinnertime is the perfect time to socialize! The elegant dining areas in Melrose Meadows make for a wonderful dining experience. What’s better than a delicious meal and the company of friends?
Are you or a loved one exploring senior and assisted living communities? Melrose Meadows is a certified assisted and independent living community in Iowa City, Iowa. We provide an independent, secure lifestyle for our residents in a vibrant, all-inclusive setting. Schedule a tour today to see if Melrose Meadows is a good fit for your future.