Nourishing your body is one of the most powerful ways to support a vibrant, healthy life at any age. Yet, for many seniors, maintaining a balanced diet can feel like an uphill journey.
In fact, one in three Canadian seniors struggle to meet their nutritional needs, reports the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. Challenges such as a reduced appetite, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and even feelings of loneliness or social isolation, can make healthy eating challenging.
Here, we explore seniors’ common nutritional hurdles and share practical, compassionate strategies to reignite the joy of eating and promote wellness.
1. Eat with others, and be inspired to eat better
For many seniors, living alone can often mean eating alone, which can lead to depression and a lack of motivation to cook healthy meals. Health Canada reports people who share meals tend to consume more food — a great way for seniors to get necessary calories and nutrients.
At Amica, sharing fresh and healthy food with friends in a beautiful, licensed dining room is one of the best parts of daily life.
“Sharing meals provides the opportunity for connection while encouraging individuals to eat a more balanced and varied diet, which helps ensure they receive enough nutrients for good health,” says Dr. Ariella Zbar, medical health officer, Population and Public Health, at Fraser Health in British Columbia.
Plus, having delicious meals prepared by chefs — and not having to worry about cooking dinner — can make eating a delightful experience.
2. Choose bold flavours to get the best taste
The critical, and closely linked, senses of taste and smell decline with age, which can impact seniors’ appetites. Certain medications can also affect taste and smell in older adults, who often produce less saliva, leading to dry mouth and a dulled sense of taste.
When it comes to major changes in taste and smell, it’s important to be checked by a doctor and assess whether a medication review or adjustment is needed.
But, the good news is that at Amica, chefs serve unique and vibrant flavours, dishes brimming with fresh herbs and spices..
Chef Gary McBlain, national director of Culinary at Amica, offers one of his favourite side dishes, mango-chipotle sweet potatoes tossed with olive oil and a spice rub, as a prime example. “You get a ton of flavour without adding sugar and salt,” he says.
Meals at Amica are dietitian-approved and deliver nutrient-rich fresh fruits and veggies, lean proteins and whole grains, as recommended by Canada’s Food Guide. Plus, chefs prepare small meals and snacks throughout the day, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. — not just at traditional meal times — so there’s always something to pique appetites.
3. Consider your unique dietary needs
Amica’s chefs are pros in offering delicious and healthy meals, which meet the unique needs of seniors. To that end, residents always have low-sodium, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free options.
“We always offer residents choices based on their dietary restrictions,” says sous chef Daniel Calabrese from Amica Peel Village. “We’re experienced and know how to keep the flavour high.”
For those experiencing difficulty chewing, meats are braised to make them extra tender and juicy, while special sauces add moisture and pack a flavourful punch. Chefs prepare special meals for those with difficulty swallowing due to illness, treatment and health or cognitive conditions.
When residents need a puréed or minced diet, Amica’s skilled chefs can easily texture-modify a menu item into something appetizing and nutritious.
“We know when we make nutritious food that’s also flavourful, people are going to enjoy eating the meals and be healthier for it,” says Chef McBlain.
At Amica, our on-site chefs prepare healthy, balanced and dietitian-approved meals to suit discerning palates and special diets.
Book a tour at an elegant Amica residence with the exceptional dining, amenities, activities, personalized care, and safety measures to build a healthy lifestyle today.