Eating a healthy diet is very beneficial at any age, but especially for seniors who are experiencing memory loss and other common age-related symptoms. Certain brain foods for seniors can improve their mental health and may reduce the need for some medications. Plus, seniors will feel more energetic and have an easier time with digestion by cutting out unhealthy foods. A health and wellness plan helps seniors learn how to cook healthy meals for their physical and mental health.
At Baptist Retirement Community, our residents have access to healthy meals, cooking classes, and nutritional tips about brain-healthy foods for seniors. Some of our floor plans include full kitchens for seniors who prefer to cook for themselves, or they can enjoy their meals at our onsite restaurant, the Main Street Cafe. To learn more about our health and wellness plans and how they can improve your overall health, call 325.313.7931 or fill out our online survey and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Why Eating Nutritious Meals is Important for Seniors
Eating the right foods is very important as you age, and what you eat will change over your life. The foods you enjoy as a child and into early adulthood will be very different than the foods you eat throughout your adult life. Not only are there plenty of healthy brain-boosting foods for seniors, but there are also foods that can help you lose weight, gain muscle, and boost energy.
As you age, you will want to cut out processed foods, reduce red meat intake, and cut down on breaded snacks and sugary sweets, as some seniors will have trouble digesting these foods, and can lead to serious health issues, such as:
- Malnutrition
- Obesity
- Uterine cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
At Baptist Retirement Community, our nutritional experts know all the best brain foods for seniors and create meal plans that can increase cognitive functions, improve digestion, and other health benefits. Our team can make meal plans centered around changing medical needs and dietary restrictions.
The Best Brain Foods for Seniors for Improving Memory
Eating the right foods can greatly improve the well-being of many seniors living in a senior living community. They get access to a wider variety of foods and reduce the risk of falling into unhealthy eating habits that are common with aging.
Here are some of the best brain-healthy foods for seniors to incorporate into their diets:
- Fatty fish – Fish is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are very healthy for the brain. Low levels of EPA and DHA are linked to smaller brain sizes and learning disabilities. Salmon, trout, and sardines are excellent sources of Omega-3 fats, as are walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseed oil.
- Coffee – This drink contains caffeine and antioxidants and can help protect your brain. The caffeine can help you focus and give you energy, while the antioxidants help protect your brain from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Dark chocolate – Dark chocolate that is 70% cocoa is known to slow memory loss which is common with aging, and can improve memory retention. It is also a good source of caffeine, manganese, fiber, and iron.
- Nuts – Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and other nuts are excellent brain and heart foods that contain Vitamin E, protein, fiber, and unsaturated fats.
Eating a healthy diet full of brain-boosting foods for seniors improves more than just your brain health. It improves your gut health, mood, and stamina and has other important benefits.
Baptist Retirement Community Offering Brain Boosting Foods for Seniors
Baptist Retirement Community offers comprehensive services and programs that promote an enriching retirement. Our health and wellness programs teach healthy eating habits and the best brain foods for seniors. They can cook for themselves in their homes or join other seniors at our onsite restaurant.
Contact us or call us at 325.313.7931 today to see if our senior living community is the best choice to enjoy your golden years.