Belmont Village Quarterly Newsletter
on Senior Living

You Are What You Eat

Good Nutrition for a Healthier, Happier You

“You are what you eat.”  We’ve all heard that old expression before, but it bears repeating.  Proper diet and nutrition are important for maintaining mental and physical health throughout our lives, but especially as we get older. 

The right nutrition offers numerous benefits, including:

• Increased mental acuteness
• More resistance to illness
• Higher energy levels
• A stronger immune system
• Faster recovery times
• Better management of chronic health problems

The problem is, changes in lifestyle, taste, appetite and overall health as we age can have an adverse affect on our diet.  Common causes of nutritional issues in older adults include:

• Loneliness – Older adults who live alone may feel isolated at mealtimes and have difficulty eating alone, especially if they are recently single.
• Physical Problems – Difficulty chewing, gastrointestinal disturbances, or adverse reactions to medicines can all lead to food avoidance in older adults.
• Health Issues – Special dietary needs or health conditions can make meal preparation seem more complicated or food less tasteful, leading to poor choices or reduced appetite.
• Reduced Mobility – Can make shopping and cooking too difficult for older adults on their own.

These issues can be challenging, but good nutrition doesn’t have to be boring or difficult.  The dining program at Belmont Village is based on extensive research into the preferences of older adults in everything from taste to dinnerware and utensils to color and décor. 

The result is an innovative dining program that includes delicious, chef-prepared meals, ordered restaurant-style.  The diverse menu offers 24 daily choices and is regularly reviewed and updated as residents share their preferences.  A dedicated, specially trained wait staff serves the food, so residents don’t have to navigate cafeteria-style lines, which can be difficult for older adults with mobility issues.  Best of all, our signature dining room, Josephine’s Kitchen, features open seating so that residents can easily socialize with friends at mealtime. 

If you would like more information about Belmont Village and our dining program, we invite you to visit one of our communities and enjoy a complimentary lunch in Josephine’s Kitchen. 

To schedule a tour, please click here for community contact information.