Imagine sitting in a room with several seniors and someone makes the following comment: “Raise your hand if you’re a good candidate for senior living!” Would anyone raise their hand? Would you? Would your loved one?

There are plenty of good reasons why seniors do not want to see themselves as a “candidate” for senior living. In today’s world, aging has become a contest; it offers a badge of honor for those who can grow old without needing any assistance from anyone, for anything. The less help you need, the more “successful” you are in your aging journey. Senior living, in the eyes of some, is throwing up the white flag.

Fortunately, surrendering your independence is not a requirement for senior living. In part two of our Too Young for Senior Living series, we’ll discuss the advantages of a flexible mindset when considering a move and share a few questions for identifying a good candidate for senior living.

Mindset and Senior Living

Most older adults do not see themselves as candidates for senior living because they do not feel old, look old, or need help, like “older people” do. My grandmother was a perfect example. She lived across the street from a venue that would host social events for seniors throughout the year; holiday luncheons with cocktails, entertainment, and dancing which drew seniors from across the state.

When these events were happening, Gram could see, from her front porch, the buses turning into the facility as they dropped off groups of seniors. “There they go, all the old people showing up for lunch,” she would say. She made me promise I would never let her go to those “old people” events.

Gram was the same age as most of those seniors. But in her mind, she was years away from aging like everyone else. Not long after, she began attending those same events with friends – and had a fabulous time. The events offered a fun experience, an outstanding meal, activity, engagement, and essential social connection.

The Advantage of a Flexible Mindset

Maintaining a flexible mindset about growing older–and senior living–can be incredibly valuable. It can help us stay motivated. It can help us stay connected to people, work, and experiences that are important to us. And it can help to shape our lifestyle as we age, influencing longevity and overall wellbeing in positive ways.

Keeping an open mind to an independent or assisted living move is often easier said than done. Unfortunately, instead of seeing themselves as “good candidates” for senior living, older adults often take a wait-and-see approach, choosing to live at home as long as possible until circumstances or health complications force them to make a change.

While this strategy may work for some, for others, it can lead to isolation, depression, and compromised health and safety. In fact, many senior living residents, both new and established, express regret for their lack of openness to senior living at an earlier age. Even family members of senior living residents often share how they wish their loved one made a move sooner after watching them thrive in their new community.

9 Reflection Questions for Considering Senior Living

If a closed-door mindset is causing you to delay deciding to move, we have pulled together a few questions to help you reflect. They might offer a few clues that you are, in fact, a good candidate for senior living after all.

How old are you?

Prospective residents touring senior living communities always ask about the average age of residents. The American Health Care Association (AHCA) and the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) estimate that there are over 800,000 older Americans residing in assisted living communities across the country. While the average age of senior living residents can vary greatly by location and by community, in general, the breakdown looks something like this (statistics taken from the AHCA/NCAL):

• 6% - Age 65 or younger
• 13% - Age 65-74
• 31% - Age 75-84
• 50% - Age 85 or older

Wondering what the average age of an assisted living resident is for your state? The AHCA/NCAL offers downloadable one-page fact sheets with some interesting data.

Would you prefer a maintenance-free lifestyle?

Seniors may still be driving, volunteering, or even working when moving into an assisted living community. They value the maintenance-free lifestyle, social calendar and programs, daily connection, and face-to-face interaction with other people, proven to impact longevity as we age. Home maintenance, household chores, and burdensome responsibilities are managed by community staff instead.

Are you active and independent?

Seniors looking for an active adult community with access to services and amenities may opt for an independent living community first before moving to assisted living. Some independent living communities also offer assisted living and/or memory care at the same location to allow individuals to easily transition to a more supportive setting when needed.

Are you challenged by mobility issues or other health conditions?

Seniors with mobility issues or other health conditions move to an assisted living facility to avoid the extra transition (of moving from home to independent living to assisted living) and enjoy the freedom, independence, and benefits for as long as possible. With access to supportive care and wellness services, they can enjoy the advantage of prolonged independence, increased social connection, and a longer length of stay before requiring the additional services of a skilled care facility, or nursing home. New research is exploring the age and care needs of older adults moving into assisted living communities and their impact on longevity and future nursing home stays.

Could you benefit from a support network?

While some individuals choose assisted living for the lifestyle, others appreciate the network of support and services that allow seniors to avoid a move to a skilled nursing facility, if possible. These residents are generally independent but may have common health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety. Some residents may experience cognitive challenges or mild memory loss. Senior staff have years of expertise in supporting residents’ care needs.

Are you paying for private homecare services?

Financing private homecare services can be costly, especially when a loved one can no longer live alone at home safely. If you or your loved one manages the costs of maintaining a family home and pays for supportive care, an assisted living community may be a more affordable option. Many family caregivers provide hours of unpaid care and assistance to a senior loved one, which creates increasing stress and anxiety. Senior living communities offer 24/7 staffing and access to nursing and wellness services to best manage a senior’s changing care needs, relieving burdensome responsibilities and providing peace of mind for families.

Do you ever feel lonely and miss the company of others?

Research continues to support the importance of regular, face-to-face human interaction, noting these connections may be more essential to promoting health and longevity than exercise! Is your time with friends or family members limited? Are you spending your days mostly alone and feeling isolated? Community living offers a sense of belonging and fun that can be missing as we age.

Are you still driving or relying on others for transportation?

Senior living residents enjoy greater freedom and independence to come and go as they please. Some residents keep their vehicles with them in their new community and continue to drive, while others rely on transportation arranged by the community. Transportation services to medical appointments, shopping centers, and fun seasonal outings provide convenience and a safe, easy option for travel.

Do you own your own home?

Many senior living residents finance a move to community living by downsizing from their family home and consolidating their monthly bills. Instead of budgeting separately for utilities, home maintenance, meals, and other expenses, residents pay a monthly rental fee that includes most services and amenities they will need. The coordination of household chores, meal preparation, and other time-consuming tasks is then managed by community staff, relieving family caregivers.

Still Not Sure?

If your mind is open to senior living, but not made up, schedule a visit to an independent or assisted living community to meet with residents and a senior living counselor who can help you determine whether a move is right for you.

For more helpful answers to your questions about senior living, subscribe to our blog or check out Cardinal Bay’s valuable free resources. Explore the differences between independent living, assisted living, and memory care and experience the many benefits of living in a Cardinal Bay community in Texas and Oklahoma.

If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or another form of memory loss, you are not alone. The Alzheimer's Association reports that nearly 7 million Americans, most of them age 65 and older, are living with Alzheimer’s dementia – a number that’s growing fast. Plus, over 11 million unpaid caregivers provide them with an estimated 18.4 billion hours of care valued at almost $350 billion.

Often, a network of family members and friends must share a series of responsibilities to provide the support that their loved one requires throughout the day. Regardless of whether you live with the person, live nearby, or live far away, you know just how challenging and sensitive this situation can be. Watching the condition progress. Wondering what to expect. Worrying about their well-being. Trying to figure out when and how you can pitch in.

While every individual has different needs, you can apply the specialized memory care tips and the additional precautions below to ensure your loved one’s safety, comfort and happiness.

Create an Organized Daily Routine

People who become forgetful or confused often need extra assistance with even the most basic tasks. To minimize upset and maximize respect, add a sense of normalcy through consistent, easy-to-follow patterns. Work with your loved one on keeping a calendar of appointments and events and writing to-do lists. Implement a system for taking medications promptly and safely.

Schedule daily tasks like showers, getting dressed, and meals – as well as activities the person enjoys – for the same time each day. Gently tell the person what you are going to do but allow them to do as much as they can on their own. Loose-fitting clothing with no or simple-to-use closures will streamline the process. Installing an accessible shower/tub, a shower chair, a raised toilet, slip-resistant flooring, and grab bars will help prevent falls. Serve meals in the same familiar place and give the person plenty of time to finish them.

Stay Positive, Speak Calmly and Listen Closely

Expect changes in communication and behavior for people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Maybe their language abilities are affected, making it difficult to talk or find the right words. They may display anxiety, fear, anger, agitation, impatience, frustration and more. You, yourself, may share those emotional concerns, sometimes.

Remember that the disease is causing these changes – and there are things you can do to communicate better. Be reassuring. Show understanding. Enable your loved one to retain as much control and personal space as possible. Encourage long, two-way conversations. But, additionally, building in quiet time and engaging activities can be equally important for peace of mind.

Prioritize Good Nutrition, Exercise and Socialization Habits

Having a wholesome diet and an active lifestyle is particularly crucial – although it can also get tougher as the disease progresses and interest or initiative declines. That’s why it’s essential for you to help plan and get things started. Joining in, and including other people whenever you can, also provides vital social interactions that boost their health, happiness and longevity.

Ensure three nourishing meals and more per day by buying a variety of healthy foods, suited to their tastes and dietary needs, which give your loved one multiple meal options and are easy to prepare and clean up.

Exercise and wellness routines for people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia should match their abilities and stamina. Besides the usual types of fitness programs, exercise can look like short walks, fun activities with movement, dancing to music, and even household chores, cooking or baking, and gardening.

Take Steps to Make Home a Safer Place

Perhaps you’re worried about the physical obstacles and threats that are lurking in your loved one’s home. By removing hazards and installing safety features, you can prevent injury – or worse – and enhance their independence. They should include:

• Ensuring wide obstacle-free paths, bright lighting, easy-to-grip handles, slip-resistant flooring and safer bathrooms.
• Adding handrails and safety measures to stairs that increase stability and visibility.
• Removing or locking up dangerous items, cleaning products and medications.
• Removing curtains and rugs with busy patterns that may confuse the person.
• Inserting safety plugs into unused electrical outlets.
• Door and window locks and a home security system designed for seniors with dementia.
• Adequate fire alarms and smoke detectors.

You’ll also want to obtain a wireless medical alert device with 24/7 monitoring and response for urgent situations. Create and implement an emergency preparedness plan that considers memory issues, mobility, hearing and vision impairments, and any other disabilities.

Plan for the Future – Today

It can be incredibly difficult and emotional to make healthcare decisions for someone who cannot do it themselves anymore. For that reason, it’s crucial to plan for these eventualities in advance, while your loved one can still be involved in the process – or at the very least, before the risks and worries keep rising, or sudden, unexpected changes occur. Factor in matters such as everyday care, ongoing medical care, legal and financial matters, insurance information, and more.

Explore uplifting Alzheimer’s and dementia support services and long-term options that deliver expert care around the clock, including senior living communities in your area. Cardinal Bay provides the best memory care communities in Texas and Oklahoma, where skilled, attentive teams ensure an enduring focus on total wellness. Residents thrive in a dynamic, relationship-centered environment that is fully tailored to their needs, featuring:

• A customized care plan that consults with and evaluates each resident, and then coordinates personalized support among their loved ones, medical team, and community staff. The goal is always enriching their physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual wellness.
• A purpose-built setting that prioritizes safety and security measures, minimizes hazards, and supports a senior’s changing mobility and continuing accessibility.
• Close supervision and onsite, personal help with daily living activities, like bathing, dressing, grooming, using the restroom, eating, and escorts around the grounds.
• Medical care and transportation to medical appointments.
• A medication management system to ensure residents take their prescriptions and treatments correctly and on schedule, avoiding dangerous medication mix-ups.
• Wander protection in the form of secured doors and medication storage, plus additional security and staff members monitoring the exits.
• Specialized memory care programs, social engagement, activities, brain health fitness, and behavioral support.
• An emphasis on nutrition, exercise, and opportunities for personal connections with caregivers, residents, and visitors.
• A suite of services that save you and your loved one from tiring, precarious, time-consuming chores and household maintenance.

If cognitive change is not noticeable but may be a potential concern, you can opt for a continuum of care. There, residents can move into independent living or assisted living now – and transition seamlessly into memory care as needs evolve – all in the same community.

Schedule a complimentary visit to meet Cardinal Bay’s team and thriving residents in person. Learn more by reading our free, valuable resources, dedicated to the seniors and their caregivers navigating this next chapter. Subscribe to our blog, plus access our eBook, Your Elementary Guide to Senior Living and Care Options in Texas and Oklahoma. Get your copy now!

Understanding the services, amenities, and lifestyle of senior living communities can seem complex, especially in states with distinct laws and regulations governing assisted living. In states like Texas, defining features, such as the size of an assisted living community, the number of residents it serves, and the care services it provides, determine which type of license is granted to a community. This license also regulates the care services that can be offered to assisted living residents and is outlined as a Type A or Type B option.

With this structure, finding the right community with the right availability can be challenging for those new to the senior living world. To help you understand assisted living better and the key differences between Type A and Type B communities, we’ve put together the following guidance. Read on to learn more about selecting the right type of residence for yourself or a senior loved one.

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted Living is a senior living option that offers the best of both worlds: a community setting that supports independence, while connecting residents to supportive services. With a maintenance-free lifestyle similar to an independent living community, assisted living communities support the health and independence of older adults as they age.

They offer a wealth of services and amenities, an engaging community environment, safety and security, and numerous opportunities for social connection. Assisted living communities also provide supportive care to assist individuals with their daily routines, medication management, and changing needs.

Every assisted living facility has its own unique culture and community of residents, comprising a diverse range of ages, abilities, and backgrounds. However, the average assisted living resident is generally an older adult who could use assistance with a few routine tasks related to activities of daily living (ADLs), such as getting dressed, taking a shower, or managing their medication.

It’s common for people to think of assisted living as a general term that encompasses a wide range of senior living options. Instead, think of the world of senior living as a continuum. At one end of the continuum are options for an independent, active lifestyle, while the other end features more supportive, specialized care. Assisted living offers a balance of both independent living and support.

To better understand assisted living, we’ve provided the example below. With four of the most common residential senior living options aligned, assisted living falls somewhere in the middle.

Independent Living … Assisted Living … Memory Care … Skilled Nursing Care

Who Can Benefit from Assisted Living?

Older adults experiencing varying levels of independence can all benefit from assisted living. Some residents may prefer to continue driving, working part-time, or volunteering, while others may prefer a relaxing daily routine that allows them to be as active as they wish. Older adults considering assisted living typically seek a lifestyle that provides relief from burdensome home responsibilities, assistance with personal care needs, and meaningful connection with others.

From a caregiver’s perspective, assisted living offers much of the support that they provide regularly, offering substantial peace of mind and a reprieve from care responsibilities. Tasks such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, housekeeping, transportation, safety checks, home maintenance, medication reminders and refills, and daily care can be managed by community staff in an assisted living setting.

Types of Assisted Living

In states like Texas, prospective residents will find assisted living offerings primarily defined as Type A or Type B options. This distinction refers to the licensure required for an assisted living community to provide supportive care to its residents. A community may be licensed as either a Type A or Type B facility or operate as both a Type A and Type B facility. If the community is licensed for both Type A and Type B, it may offer only a select number of apartments or residences within the scope of each license. Let’s review how this model works and examine the differences between the two options.

Type A

A Type A assisted living license enables a community to provide care and support for residents who can move around with some level of independence. A resident may require the use of an assistive device (such as a walker, wheelchair, or motor scooter) but must still be able to move around independently. Additionally, to be considered a Type A resident, the individual must be able to respond appropriately in an emergency.

• Type A residents can walk independently or use an assistive device (such as a walker, wheelchair, or motor scooter) without requiring support from a staff member.
• Type A residents do not require supportive care or assistance during the overnight hours.
• Type A residents can evacuate from the community in an emergency without requiring assistance for transferring and leaving the building. To comply with state regulations for Type A assisted living, residents would be expected to demonstrate they can fully evacuate a community in 13 minutes or less without continuous staff assistance.
  • For example, a resident should be able to get out of bed, transfer to a wheelchair, and navigate to the building exit safely without requiring assistance from community staff to complete the process successfully.
• Type A residents can receive and follow directions independently in the event of an emergency or evacuation. Residents should be familiar with and understand the evacuation plan, navigate the building with confidence, and follow staff instructions to ensure their safety.

Type B

A Type B assisted living license enables the community to provide care and support to residents who may require additional assistance from staff. This may include assistance with mobility, using the restroom, transferring, overnight care, and safely navigating the community.

• Type B residents may require assistance from a staff member to transfer in and out of a wheelchair.
• Type B residents may require supportive care or assistance during the overnight hours.
• Type B residents would need assistance from a staff member to evacuate from the community safely in an emergency. For example, a resident would require assistance from a staff member to transfer out of bed and into their wheelchair and would also need an escort to leave the building safely.

• Type B residents would need assistance with following directions in the event of an emergency or evacuation. Residents may not be aware of or understand an evacuation plan and would not be able to safely exit the building without direct support from a staff member.
• Type B residents often have varying levels of independence and may experience cognitive decline. In Texas, a Type B assisted living residence can also provide supportive memory care for older adults with memory loss or dementia.

Type A vs. Type B Communities

In a community with Type A assisted living, residents are relatively independent and can manage their daily routine with minimal support. Should they need assistance with tasks such as personal care, showering, dressing, or managing their medication, a Type A option will provide access to these services. However, residents of a Type A community are aware of their routine and can self-direct their day without assistance from a staff member. They are also able to manage the day’s transitions successfully.

In a community with Type B assisted living, residents may rely on staff assistance to successfully manage the transitions of their day, from morning hours to midday, to the evening, and overnight. Residents in a Type B community often require a higher level of care, assistance, and support compared to those in a Type A community, which primarily focuses on assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). They may also require memory care and support for managing cognitive decline or dementia.

A Type B option typically offers the coverage of additional caregiving staff, enhanced security to prevent wandering, and specialized support for increasing healthcare needs.

This can include reminders and cues for a resident’s daily routine, assistance with using the restroom, escorts to and from meals and activities, or redirection for moments of transition.

Selecting Type A or Type B Assisted Living

Before spending valuable time trying to differentiate the nuances of Type A and Type B assisted living options, consider consulting a senior care counselor, who can provide detailed guidance. This step can minimize the stress of selecting a community and help determine whether a Type A or Type B option is best for you or your loved one.

Our Cardinal Bay team is well-versed in the multitude of senior living options and services available, providing trusted expertise to seniors and caregivers seeking independent living, assisted living, and memory care in the Central Texas and Oklahoma areas. We're happy to be a resource to you as you begin your search.

We invite you to visit our communities and experience firsthand the difference that a relationship-centered home environment can make in your life or the life of a senior loved one. Schedule a tour today or follow our blog for more articles on exploring, understanding, and affording assisted living.

Deciding to move into a senior living community is a deeply personal process for every individual and looks different for every family. Some seniors may wish to move into an independent living residence as soon as they meet the age requirement, while others may feel strongly against ever moving into a community.

Whether the older adult in your life is counting down the days to moving out or has no interest in ever leaving their house, it’s always better to start the conversation early. Transitioning to senior living — or deciding against it — is a significant life change that impacts seniors and their families. Having the conversation sooner allows everyone to get on the same page and make a proper plan before a crisis occurs.

To help you and your loved ones feel better equipped, we’ve compiled a few key advantages of starting this conversation early. Let’s explore the various senior living options available, the benefits residents and families appreciate most, and the best next step you can take to ensure a successful senior living move.

Starting the Conversation Early

Most of us don’t like to be reminded of our age, and seniors are no exception. Unfortunately, there is still a misconception that senior living is for “old people,” or those with limited independence who can no longer care for themselves. Many seniors may feel they’re too young to talk about senior living. They take pride in their active lifestyle and put off the idea of senior living until “the signs” present themselves.

While signs like declining home maintenance, independence, personal hygiene, or cognition indicate that it may be time for your loved one to move into senior living, don’t wait until you start seeing these patterns. Talk to your loved one to get a sense of what they may want to plan for in the future.

Remember that having a senior living conversation with your loved one earlier rather than later has many logistical, emotional, and mental health benefits. Start that conversation with empathy, honor their needs and preferences, and keep in mind the following four benefits of planning ahead.

A Gradual Transition

Discussing the benefits of senior living does not mean your loved one must move immediately. In fact, one of the main advantages of having the conversation early involves avoiding the need for immediate change. Sitting down with your loved one before a crisis encourages the conversation, giving them greater input over the decision. It keeps the conversation casual and exploratory, offering time to reflect and downsize. This can prevent the move-in process from turning into an overwhelming logistical nightmare.

Better Availability & Selection

Having a conversation early provides the gift of time and clarity for making a decision. Many families are forced to make this decision in stressful circumstances when a sudden health concern or decline in ability makes the need for senior living immediate. In this situation, you may not have the time or energy to research and critically examine your options, making it more difficult to choose the best care for your family’s needs and budget. Additionally, many senior living communities have waiting lists, and your ideal residence, or one within your budget, may not be available at your preferred location.

Less Urgency, More Organization

Preparing a plan in advance allows more time to work out the details, such as where your loved one wants to move, how to pay for it, whether a residence is secured, and more. Selling your senior loved one’s home is also part of this process for most families. Downsizing, listing the house, and similar administrative tasks can take much time and effort, not to mention emotional and mental energy. Planning ahead subtracts unnecessary urgency from the mix and allows you to decide confidently.

Emotional Resilience

The longer a senior puts off their move, the more complex the emotional impact can become. Eventually, a senior loved one may begin to feel less like a family member and more like a burden. Family visits may become increasingly task-oriented, deepening the risk of resentment and frustration, and isolation and loneliness may creep in as social circles shrink.

Starting the conversation sooner rather than later can help a senior loved one cultivate a positive mindset and emotional resiliency toward their move. It offers time to address negative assumptions, process feelings of loss, and create an optimistic narrative. Additionally, older adults can take advantage of the opportunity to experience life in a community. They can re-imagine their life there by taking a tour, meeting residents and staff, and making connections before deciding to move. With a support network in place and new friendships formed, residents often wonder why they waited so long to move in the first place.

Senior Living Options and Benefits

Conversations about senior living often begin with discussing the options and benefits. Senior living options can generally be sorted into four main categories: independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care. Each offers differing levels of support, services, amenities, and benefits.

Independent Living

Independent living communities offer a care-free lifestyle for seniors who are generally still in good health and self-reliant. These communities minimize the stress and labor of home maintenance and upkeep while maximizing seniors’ ability to socialize and enjoy their golden years. Independent living communities typically offer a wide range of amenities, including on-site dining options, maintenance and housekeeping services, private apartments or cottages, various activities and events, senior-friendly infrastructure, social clubs, and outings, 24/7 staffing, and security features.

Assisted Living

In addition to the amenities offered by independent living communities, seniors seeking assisted living can enjoy the same convenient lifestyle and receive additional help with daily living activities as needed. The assisted living lifestyle is designed for seniors who are generally independent but may benefit from assistance with daily tasks, mobility support, or other services. These communities often offer a higher level of care than independent living communities, but do not provide the same specialized care available in a skilled nursing setting.

Assisted living residents can access support for personal care (showering, getting dressed, using the restroom, etc.), medication management, transportation to medical appointments, preparing and serving meals, and other service coordination.

Memory Care

Memory care communities are similar in style and structure to assisted living communities. They offer an accessible home environment, on-site services, and amenities, but with enhanced safety and security features. Many assisted living communities offer memory care residences, or neighborhoods, within their community.

Memory care communities provide a higher staffing level to best support residents, focusing on consistency of care and routine. Supportive care services available to residents include those offered in assisted living and specialized care for older adults with memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, or other forms of dementia. Communities partner with families and their loved ones to manage evolving care needs, create meaningful living experiences, and encourage daily social connection.

Skilled Nursing Care

Skilled nursing care facilities, or communities, offer the highest level of care, with more extensive healthcare services, greater assistance with daily living tasks, and an interdisciplinary clinical team. Under the umbrella of skilled nursing care, residents can receive short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, or specialized memory care services for those with Alzheimer’s or advanced dementia.

These senior living settings can sometimes share the same location or campus or be part of a continuum of care. In a continuum, residents can transition from one community or one level of care to another.

The Essential Next Step

So, you’ve started the conversation…. now what? There’s no better time to start touring senior living communities than the present. In fact, visiting a community is the best next step to ensure a successful senior living move!

Whether considering independent living, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing care, senior living offers many advantages. If your loved one chooses to move into a senior living community, they can expect a comfortable and secure home, with hospitality services such as housekeeping and maintenance, dining options, fitness and wellness programs, supportive care services, engaging activities, and emergency call services. Residents and their families can find peace of mind knowing that a team of professional, compassionate staff is onsite 24/7 to respond to any urgent needs.

Learn more about the benefits of a senior living lifestyle and the importance of timing your senior living move by connecting with a Cardinal Bay senior care expert today! Check out our valuable free resources by subscribing to our blog or scheduling a tour at any of our independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities in Central Texas and Oklahoma. See firsthand why residents love living in our communities and wish they had moved sooner.

Good nutrition is important at any age, but a senior’s nutritional needs become a top priority as life brings new seasons of age-related challenges. Changes in muscle mass, bone density, mobility, and the gradual transition to a more sedentary lifestyle can greatly impact a senior’s ability to stay healthy, agile, and well. As these changes become more visible, older adults may notice that nutritional habits are more difficult to maintain, especially when nutrients are lacking.

The right nutrients in a senior’s diet can prevent strength and energy levels from deteriorating and allow them to breathe easier, sleep better, stand and walk with less effort, and maintain a higher level of independence. In this article, we’ll explore a senior’s nutritional needs, identify common barriers to healthier habits, and learn how to best support a senior loved one in maintaining good nutrition throughout their golden years. 

Exploring a Senior’s Nutritional Needs

While the age-old recommendation to “eat more fruits and vegetables” is good advice, the nutritional needs of older adults become more complex later in life. Along with consuming various fresh, healthy, and colorful foods, an emphasis on incorporating a daily dose of nutrient-dense options is essential.

Nutrient-Dense Options

To simplify this approach, look for foods high in protein, vitamins, and minerals and whole foods low in sugar, sodium, and saturated fats. Avoid processed foods and beverages with empty calories and opt for those that can help meet the daily recommended amounts for the following key nutrients:

• Protein: eggs, nuts, and nut butter (e.g., peanut butter), beans and other legumes, spinach, oats, low-fat or nonfat dairy, meat, poultry, and fish.
• Vitamin D: fatty fish (e.g., trout, salmon, tuna, and mackerel), egg yolks, fortified low-fat or nonfat milk, and cereal.
• Vitamin B12: seafood, meat, low-fat or nonfat dairy, eggs, and fortified cereal.
• Calcium: low-fat or nonfat dairy, fortified orange juice, winter squash, spinach, edamame, and leafy greens.
• Fiber: whole grains, berries, raw fruits and vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes, and turnips.

Proper Hydration

A nutrient-rich diet and proper hydration are equally important, especially for older adults. Physical or medical conditions that evolve as we age, such as a declining sense of thirst, mobility limitations, medication complications, or bladder issues, can greatly impact a senior’s ability to stay hydrated and result in complications.

To prevent dehydration, seniors should incorporate the recommended daily amount of water. The goal? Six 8-ounce glasses of water and other unsweetened beverages are key. Low-fat or fat-free milk, 100% fruit or vegetable juice, herbal teas, and fortified soy beverages can all count toward this daily amount. As much as possible, avoid caffeinated drinks, alcoholic beverages, sodas, and other sugary options.

It’s important to note that while warmer weather can remind us to drink more often, the risk of dehydration during the cold weather months or times of seasonal illness is significant and should also be prioritized.

Senior Nutrition: Barriers to Healthier Habits

Maintaining a healthy diet and nutritious meal routine can seem impossible, considering the energy, mental focus, and financial resources needed to do so successfully. These tasks can be overwhelming for anyone, especially older loved ones, who often experience many barriers to good nutrition habits. Staying mindful of these barriers can help seniors and their families plan accordingly when setting realistic nutritional goals.

Transportation: Older adults who no longer drive may have difficulty arranging transportation for routine tasks, such as grocery shopping. They may depend on a loved one or a neighbor to pick up essentials or take them shopping. Waiting to resupply their stock of fresh, healthy items can mean greater reliance on prepackaged meals, processed foods, or skipping meals altogether.

Mobility: Seniors with limited mobility, difficulty standing for long periods of time, or even mild memory loss can easily become tired and frustrated by meal tasks like creating a grocery list, navigating large supermarkets, handling food safely, and managing the cooking process. Establishing a healthy meal routine can seem overwhelming.

Accessibility: Some communities have limited accessibility to healthy food options. If you or your senior loved one lives in a food desert, grocery stores may be too far to reach by foot or delivery service. Seniors and their families may consider utilizing an additional freezer to store frozen fruits and vegetables and healthy prepared meals or exploring meal kit options that ship directly to a home address.

Cost: In the last few years, average weekly grocery bills in the United States have increased significantly, with rising costs from inflation and supply chain issues affecting even the most basic items like milk, bread, and eggs. Seniors managing a fixed income may be forced to choose between affording perishable and expensive fresh vegetables or paying the electric bill. While programs are available to help, seniors may not be aware of them, or funding may not be enough to fill the gap.

Isolation: The death of a spouse or partner can have a significant effect on a senior’s mealtime routine. Grieving older adults may develop loneliness and depression or find it difficult to adjust their cooking habits to one portion. Eating alone without anyone to talk to during mealtimes can also decrease a senior’s motivation to maintain a healthy routine.

Resources & Recommendations for Maintaining a Healthy Diet:

Maintaining a healthy diet starts with eating well, which can help maintain and strengthen immune health, brain and heart health, memory function, muscle tone, and mental well-being. However, managing nutrition is multi-faceted and not limited to what is on your plate, or what you can manage independently. The following tips offer five resources and recommendations for success.

Recruit help with meal preparation. Asking a young family member for help with meal preparation can provide opportunities for connection and help simplify the weekly meal routine. Cooking together once a month and preparing a few easy-to-freeze meals can be a lifesaver for seniors.

Set a meal schedule. A metabolism works best when it is provided with a steady source of energy, and skipping meals can actually slow your metabolism. If you tend to forget about mealtimes, try scheduling reminders on your phone or computer. You can also add meals and snacks to your calendar or set a timer on your watch.

Be selective with pre-made meals. Many supermarkets offer pre-made meals for one or two people, including protein, carbohydrate, and vegetable options. When chosen carefully, these pre-made meals can be a fantastic alternative for seniors looking for a reprieve from cooking. Look for meals with lean meats, fish, whole grains, colorful vegetables, or fresh salads.

Handle food safety. Skipping recommended food safety steps can lead to illness and other unexpected consequences. Be sure to wash hands and surfaces often, pay attention to expiration dates, cook foods to the proper temperature, and refrigerate leftovers promptly. For seniors with dietary restrictions or difficulties with chewing,  swallowing, or chopping and slicing foods, opt for easy-to-manage options with softer textures.

Consider senior living. For some seniors, good nutrition may not be achievable at home. The maintenance-free lifestyle in a senior living community enables them to overcome many common barriers to healthy living. Residents are connected to essential services, amenities, and health resources and supported in maintaining their nutritional health and independence in the following ways:

• Scheduled transportation provides access to local shopping and supermarkets for active seniors who prefer to plan and prepare their own meals.
• On-site dining options make it easy to enjoy healthy snacks and nutritious meals without the added worry of buying and prepping the food.

• Chef-prepared meals are served daily in the community’s dining room at scheduled times for a sense of routine, consistency, and an enjoyable dining experience.
• Dietary preferences, restrictions, and limitations can be easily accommodated to ensure a balanced diet.
• Opportunities for social dining increase the appeal of mealtime and encourage seniors to enjoy food for its nutritional benefits and pleasure.

To learn more about the benefits of senior living in supporting a senior’s health and nutritional needs, contact a Cardinal Bay senior living expert today for additional resources and support. Then, experience the Cardinal Bay difference and the many benefits of relationship-centered living—including the social dining experience!

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