Nutrition Tips For Retirees

Good nutrition is essential in our seniors to maintain an active, healthy fulfilling lifestyle. Our nutrition needs change as we age – and we often need less food overall, so making our choices nutrient-dense is vital to achieving a well-balanced diet. Follow these tips to maximize your nutrition.

Why Is Good Nutrition Important?

In our retirement years, our most important job is safeguarding our health. Calcium keeps our bones strong, while Omega 3s protect brain and cardiovascular health. To maintain a well-balanced diet, try following the Mediterranean Diet: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, focusing on leafy greens; get protein from fish, legumes, and lean sources of meat like chicken; eat whole grains like wheat, spelt, and brown rice; make fats healthy, like those found in avocado, olive oil, and salmon. Enjoy treats in moderation. Following this diet is good for your heart, brain, and bones.

Specialized Meal Preparation

Our diet needs evolve as our health changes, requiring specialized diets. If you have special dietary needs, from low sodium to diabetic friendly, talk to a member of our kitchen staff. BayWoods of Annapolis has experience in following special dietary requirements for our residents.

Watch Your Sodium Intake

As we age, we become more susceptible to high blood pressure, as our arteries develop build-up called plaque. The key to maintaining our blood pressure is to watch the amount of sodium we eat. Sodium can come from sneaky sources, such as packaged foods, canned vegetables and beans, even soda. Read labels and choose whole foods whenever possible. Make a plan to eat fewer than 2,300 mg of sodium daily.

Our kitchen staff prepares fresh, healthy meals, using locally farmed ingredients whenever possible. We are committed to creating sustainable, nutrient-dense meals for all of our residents. For more information about our dining options or meal preparation for assisted living residents, please contact us.