Beyond Healthy Eating: How a Curated Diet Can Improve Senior Living

Special dietary attention is helpful in itself to any person seeking to improve
nutrition, reduce the risk of health problems, address specific conditions, or
maintain overall health. However, it becomes even more critical, if not essential,
for people in their golden years as bodies naturally weaken with age.

The Difference Between “Healthy Eating” and a Curated Diet
We often hear that processed foods are bad, fruits and veggies are healthy, and
sugar and fat should be limited, among other ideas. Most people are bombarded
with these concepts as they grow up. While these pieces of advice and general
health guidelines are undoubtedly beneficial, "healthy eating" does not guarantee
that it is the best fit for someone’s current health condition and specific needs. The
power of a curated diet by professionals is unmatched because it is tailored to
address our individual goals, minimize the risk of our health concerns, and more.

As people age, simply "eating healthy" won’t suffice. Seniors are especially prone
to chewing difficulties, decreased appetite and energy needs, hormonal changes,
reduced capacity to taste, and more. Not to mention the diverse nutritional
requirements that accompany each individual's needs. For example, fruits,
generally considered healthy, may not be a good option for seniors with diabetes because they can spike blood glucose levels, including concentrated sugar from
dried fruits. For those with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, raw vegetables
such as carrots or broccoli, typically deemed healthy, can be hard to chew.

Changes in taste and smell may make them very sensitive to heavily seasoned
foods or the tough textures of chewy bread and steak. This is the prime reason why
a curated diet or tailored meal plans are very helpful for addressing the diverse and
specific needs of seniors.

Benefits of a Curated Diet for Seniors
Addressing Age-Related Challenges
As mentioned in the previous parts, there comes a point in our lives where we start
to experience age-related health challenges. The elderly are at a higher risk of
nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition due to various factors that affect their
eating habits, such as difficulty chewing or swallowing, managing chronic
diseases, physical or mental decline, and more. A curated diet is the surest and
most fitting answer to these challenges. It's like a puzzle piece that fits perfectly to
address the aspect that needs fixing. Not only does this approach consider all
health issues, but it also helps seniors prevent other health concerns from
accumulating or developing over time.

Cultural and Ethnic Considerations
Seniors in communities may come from different walks of life, meaning they may
have varying ethical and cultural considerations when it comes to the food they eat.
Having a curated diet may address two needs at once, as it takes into account

awareness and consideration of these preferences while ensuring that individual
nutritional needs are met. This may involve managing seniors' love for Southern
cuisine in the US, which often includes foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol,
or seniors' avoidance of Haram (forbidden) foods in Islam, such as pork and its by-
products. Understanding these preferences prompts tailored meal plans to seek
alternatives or be resourceful.

Managing Medication Interactions
Since it was mentioned that seniors may have their own maintenance medications
or certain foods they like or need to eat, it’s important to consider how the two
interact, and this can only be done with intensive and professional meal planning.
It’s important for care providers to consider that some foods can interfere with the
absorption and effectiveness of medications. For example, high-sodium foods can
interact with certain blood pressure medications, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors,
and beta-blockers.

Supportive Community Environment
Amazing meal times are not just beneficial for health. They also enable seniors to
feel more secure and well taken care of. This fosters a much calmer and healthier
atmosphere. Staff can be actively involved and transparent with these dietary needs
and meal planning, building stronger bonds with seniors and fostering trust. All of
these aspects essentially promote overall health and wellness in a senior
community.

Conclusion
Merely adhering to phrases like "eat your greens" may not suffice to ensure seniors
maintain the highest possible level of health. A curated diet is a non-negotiable
aspect of healthy aging, particularly within care communities. The elderly must
receive proper guidance regarding their food choices, with healthy meals tailored
to their specific needs and preferences. This approach can contribute to fostering a
happy and engaging community and enhancing quality of life, while also creating a
safer environment, helping manage age-related illnesses, and minimizing the
impact of aging on the community as a whole.