March Is National Nutrition Month

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Take the time to “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right”

March is the perfect time of year to observe National Nutrition Month®—because many of us who made New Year’s resolutions to choose healthier foods might need extra encouragement right now. Sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month encourages all Americans to make informed food choices and establish sound eating and exercise habits. The theme for 2016 is “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right,” emphasizing the importance of developing mindful eating patterns that incorporate nutritious and flavorful foods into your habits and family traditions. This theme is right in line with ISL’s signature “Dining by Design” program.

The dining experience at our communities features delicious food, great conversation, and an inviting atmosphere. ISL’s signature “Dining by Design” program was developed to enhance social interaction, proper nutrition, and overall resident well-being. Integral Senior Living won the Assisted Living Federation of America’s (ALFA) prestigious “Best of the Best” award for its dining program, enabling communities to offer one of the best culinary practices in senior living.

Essential to Dining by Design are:

• Chef-prepared meals
• Signature dishes served with well-rounded food choices
• Restaurant-style ordering and service

Resident involvement in meal planning

Following mindful eating patterns doesn’t mean you need to turn away from the foods you and your family love, or ignore long-established family traditions. In fact, there are ways to enjoy delicious foods and revel in traditions without overindulging.

Eat slowly. We often rush through our meals—either because we feel our lives are too busy, or eating has become mundane, a routine to be gotten through.

It is suggested to eat one bite at a time. Stop and take time between bites. Eating slowly not only allows you to enjoy your food, but it can also help you eat less by giving your stomach time to tell your brain that you are full.

Pay attention to flavors. Try to savor the overall eating experience—the different flavors, spices, and textures. Notice how different foods complement each other. If you’re a cook, experiment with subtle variations of favorite recipes.

Take a look at your eating patterns. Mindful eating includes observing not only which foods you eat, but where and when you eat, and how much. Notice when you snack, and why. Do you eat in your work space, in your bedroom, or in front of the TV? Think about finding a quiet place where you feel comfortable, away from other distractions, where you can eat slowly and mindfully, and savor the eating experience instead of multitasking through it.

How to Help Seniors Prevent Falling

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Older adults have an alarmingly high chance of falling inside and outside the home. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 out of 3 people age 65 and older falls each year. After age 80, that increases to a 1 in 2 chance. That means your senior adult has a 33 percent to 50 percent chance of falling this year.

Physical Changes that Increase the Risk of Falls

  • Age-related muscle loss lessens strength and weakens bones.
  • Aging bodies and medications make balance more difficult.
  • Worsening vision impairs seniors’ ability to stay upright and clearly see what’s nearby.
  • Diminished flexibility, especially in hips, knees, and ankles, can cause to falls.
  • Lower endurance (how long you can stand and walk with tiring) raises fall risk.
  • Lower strength, balance, and flexibility make seniors feel less confidence in their walking ability.

Falls can be devastating to seniors’ health in the short term and long term. In older adults, falls can cause hip fractures and head injuries. They’re the leading cause of death from injury, because of traumatic brain injury,

Even if a fall is not life threatening, seniors can face long-term consequences because their bodies are less able to recover fully. Overall health can worsen and care needs increase, sometimes leading to extended stays in nursing homes or assisted-living facilities.

The good news is that falls do not have to become an inevitable rite of passage with aging. The chances of falling can be substantially lessened with small modifications around the home.

Steps Toward Preventing Falls

  • Area rugs are a major trip hazard. Tape them down or consider getting rid of them.
  • Declutter the house, especially the main walk-through areas. Clutter tends to pile up quickly, but try to keep shoes, newspapers, books, and clothing out of the path of seniors.
  • Hallways and stairways should be well lit. Seniors tend to make more frequent trips to the bathroom, especially at night. Light up hallways leading to the bathroom. Make sure the steps on the stairwell are well-lit for easier navigation in the dark.
  • The kitchen and the bathroom often have wet floors. Add nonslip mats in the kitchen and bathroom, near the sinks and bathtub or shower to greatly reduce falls on slippery surfaces. Apply stick-on nonslip strips to tub and shower floors.
  • Consider adding safety supports. Add an additional railing on the stairs or install grab bars in the bathroom.
  • In the bedroom and kitchen, move frequently used items down from high shelves. Put them within easy arm’s reach.