10 tips - pharmerica...good fats: healthy fats like omega-6 from items like avocado and omega-3...
TRANSCRIPT
10 TIPSfor Healthy Eating
Table of Contents
What You’ll Learn
Resident Preferences
10 Ways to Boost
Menu Offerings
The Impact of Supplements
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A healthy diet is essential to a
senior’s well-being whether or not
they suffer from an illness or disease.
Poor nutrition continues to be a
serious problem that affects nearly
one in two seniors, and all too
often, seniors are lacking important
nutrients to stay healthy.
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What You’ll Learn
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Take a moment to read this ebook to learn 10 ways to improve community offerings that help optimize resident health.
One of the first questions any prospective resident asks
a community is how the food tastes and what is included
in the dietary service offering. Seniors look for quality
and flavor (even though the number of taste buds drops
as individuals age). Today’s more food-savvy residents are
increasingly looking for trending options like:
While those options are attractive, it’s important
that the cuisine offered within any community provides
key nourishment to protect seniors against disease
and failing health. A balanced dietary offering
is critical in positioning a community for growth in
a competitive market.
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Resident Preferences
Cultural and ethnic cuisines
Healthy alternatives such as gluten-free
Vegetarian and vegan menus
Locally sourced ingredients
Fresh food made from scratch
Dining options like food trucks, lounges, and coffee kiosk
Good fats: Healthy fats like omega-6 from items like avocado and omega-3 found in salmon can help reduce inflammation.
Variety: Eating a variety of items from all food groups is important to a well-balanced meal and ensuring optimal nutrition.
Seasoning: Food flavored with herbs and spices instead of salt like ginger, garlic, and turmeric can give a burst of flavor as well as health benefits.
Protein-rich foods: As individuals age, protein synthesis decreases so high-protein diets are important to maintaining muscle mass.
Water: Even though seniors may not feel thirsty, it’s important to stay hydrated to avoid drowsiness and confusion.
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10 Ways to Boost Menu Offerings
Carbohydrates: Since 45–65 percent of the day’s calories should come from carbohydrates, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables should be on the menu to help the body function well.
Colorful options: Bright colored foods are not only more attractive but reflect the variety that’s important to a healthy meal
Creative: With the growing preference for non-traditional offerings, healthy, creative food experiences can stimulate seniors’ appetites so introduce new dishes regularly.
Low calorie choices: Adults need fewer calories as they age, so foods lower in calories can help residents lose weight, which can also reduce their risk for certain medical conditions such as diabetes.
Reduced sugar options: Seniors should avoid refined sugars in favor of foods that are naturally sweet like fruits and vegetables like yams.
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A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
study revealed that elderly people eat less food, with an
average 30% decline in energy intake between the ages of 20
and 80 years of age. Since seniors take in less food throughout
the day, the reduction can also mean they’re missing out
on important nutrients. Other factors such as medications
can also negatively impact a senior’s ability to meet their
daily nutritional requirements by altering an individuals’
sense of smell and taste. It can lead to poor appetite, poor
dental health, and other health concerns that make eating
uncomfortable.
When a senior’s (looking for consistency throughout)
intake isn’t sufficient enough to offer the necessary health
benefits, they may opt to incorporate supplements into their
daily regimen and boost their levels of vitamins, minerals,
and nutrients. Common supplements among seniors are
B-vitamins, calcium and vitamin D, fiber, iron, and potassium.
When supplements are used, it’s important to understand any
potential interaction with prescription medications that could
cause adverse effects.
A study in JAMA Internal Medicine showed that one in
six older adults is taking a combination of prescription
medications, over-the-counter drugs, or dietary supplements
that could cause a major interaction. For example, a common
supplement, omega-3 fish oil, can increase bleeding risk, a
potential danger for patients taking warfarin. A community’s
pharmacy provider can help determine how a supplement may
impact medication management and identify possible adverse
drug reactions or polypharmacy issues.
The Impact of Supplements
older adults is taking a combination of prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or dietary supplements that could cause a major interaction.
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According to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine
As a long term care pharmacy that specializes in assisted living, PharMerica can help communities overcome challenges with supplement
interactions and improve the quality of resident care. Contact us at [email protected] or 855-637-1755 to learn more.
PharMerica.com