Menus for seniors must be tailored to meet the unique and complex health needs of older adults.
Age-related changes to the metabolism and digestive system affect how the body processes food. As a result, seniors have different nutritional requirements than children, teenagers and even middle-aged adults.
Adapting senior menus to promote good health doesn’t have to be a challenge. These dietitian-approved tips can help get you started with the basics.
No. 1: Aid Digestion by Increasing Fiber in Senior Menus
Seniors often have digestive issues, and eating more fiber each day can be beneficial for good bowel health.
Regular consumption of high-fiber foods helps regulate how food moves through the digestive tract, aiding older adults in staying regular. Whole-grain breads and cereals, beans, peas, and raw fruits and vegetables are good high-fiber options for senior menus.
No. 2: Support Bone Health by Adding Dairy to Senior Menus
Aging adults need more calcium and vitamin D to prevent or slow the progression of osteoporosis, a common health condition that results in brittle and fragile bones.
Eating plenty of dairy products can improve bone health, as the calcium and vitamin D these foods contain help to keep the bones strong. Low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese are dietitian-approved favorites for senior menus. Other options include dark green, leafy vegetables and calcium-fortified orange juice or cereal.
No. 3: Boost Energy by Adding More Produce to Senior Menus
Older adults sometimes experience low energy levels, and snacking on fruits and veggies can help them feel recharged.
Fresh produce is packed with vitamins and natural sugars, so it’s the perfect energy boost to include in senior menus. Apples, bananas and oranges flood the body with natural nutrients, replenishing energy that has been lost during the day. Sweet potatoes and green veggies like spinach, broccoli and kale also provide much-needed fuel for seniors.
No. 4: Meet Special Health Needs with Dietitian-Approved Senior Menus
Many older adults have specific nutritional considerations due to medical conditions. Those with diabetes, for example, require foods that keep blood sugar levels in check. And seniors with oral health problems rely on a variety of soft foods for proper nutrition.
Meeting the special health needs of older adults can be a challenge for many senior care and assisted living centers. A dietitian-approved meal program addresses these issues, providing menus that are designed to address residents’ medical concerns.
Dietitian-approved menus take all of the guesswork out of serving balanced diets for seniors. And, by using an advanced food service program, senior care centers and assisted living facilities can save on food costs as well as the labor needed to create nutritious meal plans.
The Grove Menus meal planning system offers a much easier and more cost-effective way to meet the dietary needs of older adults. For a free demonstration of our exclusive food service program, containing hundreds of dietitian-approved menus for seniors, contact us today.