June 30, 2022
A healthy diet does more than just nourish our bodies. It also offers sustenance to our souls. Mealtimes are at the heart of some of our most cherished memories: holidays, celebrations and family togetherness. But healthy eating can be a challenge for many of us, particularly older adults.
“Good nutrition is the foundation to a healthy lifestyle, and the dining options at Kendal on Hudson reflect that,” says Pamela Klapproth, CEO of Kendal on Hudson, a not-for-profit Life Plan Community serving older adults in the Quaker tradition in Sleepy Hollow, NY. “We offer three meals a day at both our dining venues, all created to be delicious as well as nutritious.”
Pamela says that the exceptional culinary team features several chefs trained at the Culinary Institute of America, and they’re always happy to accommodate special requests.
“Meals are when we break bread with friends and family, and should be a time that’s savored and enjoyed,” Pamela says. “The best and most healthy diets are the ones that nurture your whole-body wellness through nutrients, companionship and variety.”
What is the ideal diet for a human?
There is no one healthy diet for adults—or anyone. Rather, there is a basic healthy-eating framework that individuals should follow while adjusting it for their own specific health needs. Generally, most healthy diets focus on whole foods with minimal processing and avoiding too much salt and sugar.
What is a good nutritional diet?
A healthy diet definition generally includes fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains and avoidance of processed foods, overly salty or sugary foods and fatty cuts of meat. Eating in this manner helps your body run at peak performance and keeps you as healthy as possible.
What specific dietary needs do older adults have?
As we age, our metabolism slows down, so we no longer need to eat as much as we did when we were younger. Older adults also require more of certain nutrients, such as calcium, fiber and protein, in order to remain healthy. Depending on underlying health issues, individuals may need to limit different types of foods or additives. As you can see, there are lots of things to think about when it comes to creating a healthy diet for older adults.
What keeps older adults from eating a healthy diet?
Many things keep older adults from eating a healthy diet, including being alone, mobility issues, loss of taste, depression and seemingly countless other factors. It’s been proven that older adults who live alone often eat less than their more social counterparts, which leads to becoming underweight and malnourished. Shopping for groceries can also become difficult if you aren’t as mobile as you once were, which can result in eating a lot of canned or prepackaged foods.
How does a senior living community help older adults eat a healthy diet?
It’s incredibly easy for older adults to eat a healthy diet when they live in a community like Kendal on Hudson. The biggest reason? Everything is taken care of for them, and all they have to do is sit down at the table. Senior living communities create healthy and balanced meals, thanks to the input and creativity of trained culinary teams and staff nutritionists. Older adults no longer have to buy groceries, prep, cook and clean after a meal.
What other health benefits does dining provide?
Older adults who eat with others eat more and make better food choices than those who are solitary. Dining venues at Kendal on Hudson are very community-focused. Residents sit at tables with friends and acquaintances at every meal, meaning there’s always someone to interact with. Social and emotional health is incredibly important for overall wellness.
“Meals are a time to bond, connect, celebrate and share,” Pamela says. “They’re a sensory delight not just for our tastebuds, but also for our ears, eyes and soul. Eating well can be an incredibly enjoyable experience, and at Kendal on Hudson, that’s what we strive for with every dish we create. Our residents love that our dining options provide chances to connect with friends, eat a wide variety of foods and experience life to the fullest.”
Together, Transforming the Experience of Aging.®
Founded on Quaker principles and guided by our values and practices, Kendal on Hudson provides a vibrant, active and social lifestyle on our 25-acre campus next to the historic Hudson River. As the only Life Plan Community in Westchester County, we offer five levels of service for our residents: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation.
Kendal on Hudson is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization led by a volunteer Board of Directors. Kendal on Hudson is an affiliate of The Kendal Corporation, a system of communities and services for older people based in Kennett Square, PA. We support diversity, inclusiveness, and independence and support the values and practices of Kendal by remaining focused on healthy aging. Located in Sleepy Hollow, New York, just 35 miles from New York City, we offer a vibrant lifestyle, cultural programs, continued learning and health care for life.For more information, please call 866-KENDALNY.