Understanding the importance of a well-rounded diet and healthy nutrition in our elderly loved ones

Eating a well-balanced diet is an important part of staying physically and mentally healthy, particularly so for older adults as our minds and bodies naturally age. It can help maintain a healthy weight, stay mentally energised and help to lower the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.

What is a well-rounded diet?

Generally speaking this is all about eating a wide variety of foods and in the correct proportions in order to maintain the correct weight balance. It also includes consuming the right quantities of water to stay hydrated, which forms an important part of good nutrition.
According to studies most of us are still not eating the minimum amount of fruit and vegetables each day which should be making up around a third of our daily intake.
The NHS Eatwell Guide states we should look to eat at least 5 portions from a variety of fruit and veg, choosing from either fresh, frozen, tinned, dried, or juiced.

Benefits

• Starch-rich food such as potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and cereals are our main source of carbohydrates which give us the energy we need for daily activity. As well as being an important source of fibre they also contain micronutrients such as calcium, iron and B vitamins which play a vital role in keeping our bowels healthy.
• Eating meat, fish and eggs provides a source of protein, vitamins and minerals in the diet. Pulses including beans, lentils and peas are an alternative to animal products and are also a good source of fibre.
• Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais also contain protein and are rich in calcium which helps keep teeth and bones healthy.
• It’s no myth that following the 5 A Day routine will keep you healthy in mind and body, providing essential nutrients and antioxidants that help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and some forms of cancer. The advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends eating a minimum of 400g of fruit and vegetables to reduce the risk of serious health problems.

How do our needs change as we get older?

As we gracefully age our nutritional needs change over time and there is more importance on healthy eating.  This is because aging is linked to a number of bodily changes over time such as muscle loss, decline in internal organ functionality, changes to the nervous and digestive systems and all of which can have an effect on mental health.

Some common gastrointestinal abnormalities in the elderly include constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids and stomach ulcers.

Nutrition can play a key role in determining healthy maturing in seniors due to the plasticity of the ageing process. A regular micronutrient-rich diet plus lifestyle interventions such as regular activity can help reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases. Foods rich in vitamins D, C and B9 are important in reducing inflammation and promoting bone density, whilst a healthy intake of calcium, zinc and iron promote a functioning immune system.

Hospitality at Cinnamon Luxury Care

At Cinnamon diet and nutrition form an important part of daily life in each of our luxury care homes. We use only the freshest ingredients to serve delicious homecooked meals that are cooked with imagination and made according to individual dietary requirements.

Throughout the day our compassionate care teams help residents maintain a healthy appetite, with tasty snacks on offer all day such as fresh fruit and freshly baked sweets and savouries that are fresh out of our kitchens.

Meal times are always special occasions and friends and family are always welcome to join us for lunch or dinner. Our restaurant is the place to be to enjoy seasonal choices and mouth-watering menu choices that are inspired by personal favourites.

For parties and celebrations with loved ones enjoy the exclusivity of the private dining room. Relax in sumptuous surroundings where the rich interiors compliment the delicious menu choices.

Find out more about Cinnamon Hospitality here .

References:
NHS UK
Bladder and Bowel UK
Nutrition Society.org