The high cost of food makes it more difficult for seniors across North America to eat a balanced diet. Seniors in Canada, particularly those living alone, are at an increased danger of negative nutrition-related health issues.
Why Are the Costs of Food Rising
Vegetable prices are up 18.2 percent, according to Statistics Canada, and new fruit prices are up 12.9 percent compared to last year. Meat has also increased by 6.6%. Overall, food inflation rates may rise from 2-4 percent in the coming years, leading to an increase of about $345 per individual according to The Food Price Report.
The fragile Canadian dollar bears most of the blame for rising food bills, especially for imported fruits and vegetables. Also, a factor is global warming and unpredictable patterns of worldwide climate. Canada is presently the only industrialized nation in the globe with a food inflation rate of over 3%.
What is the Inflation of Food Doing
While the enhanced cost has dealt a blow to the wallet of everybody, it has a more pronounced impact on Canadians living on a tight budget or in distant areas where fresh fruit and vegetables are more costly than in more metropolitan areas. The rising expenses hurt seniors the most in Canada and other vulnerable groups. When the cost of fruits and vegetables rise, these organizations will find it harder to purchase enough to get their daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. The wrong kind of food is cheap and the right kind of food is still expensive.
Why Seniors Can Afford Less Food
In order to survive, Canadian elderly residing on or below the poverty line rely heavier on food banks. This year more Canadians are using food banks than last, with as many customers as 852,000 individuals. Seniors with low to medium incomes are also adversely affected by increasing food prices.
Why a Senior Living Community is the Best Option
Seniors living in retirement or senior living communities don’t need to worry about dealing with increasing food costs. With chef-inspired, healthy, nutritious meals included in their community charges, seniors living do not have to cut down on meat or give up cable or internet to afford the new fruits and vegetables that are critical to their diet. Senior nutrition can often suffer as they age can adversely impact their health and healthcare expenses.
Nutrition in Senior Living
1. Seniors Need Plenty of Water
Although water may seem like such a basic need, it is important to remember how important it is for good health. With age comes the potential for having to take certain medicines. Some of these may increase the risk of your loved one becoming dehydrated. We recommend that seniors in assisted living drink at least three to five large glasses of water each day.
2. Foods With Fiber
If you want your loved one in senior living to have a healthy digestive system, then promoting fiber is a great way to do so. By pushing for them to eat fiber-rich foods like whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables, you are giving them a boost for a healthy digestive system as well as protecting against heart disease.
3. Magnesium-rich Foods
Magnesium is a mineral that is crucial to different processes like keeping your immune system up to par, your heart healthy, and promoting stronger bones. By making sure that your loved one’s assisted living menu has unprocessed foods, fresh fruits, and vegetables available at each meal, you are taking steps to ensure that their nutrition will be a stress-free subject for your family.
4. Eat Bananas or Other Potassium Sources
Potassium is another dietary need that helps keep bones strong. This mineral is essential for cell function and has also been shown to help in the reduction of high blood pressure.
5. Calcium Keeps Bones Strong
Of all the nutritional requirements that your senior living loved one needs to build stronger bones,calcium is essential. Making sure that your loved one gets three servings a day of low-fat milk and other dairy products is a great way to ensure that their bones remain in great condition. You can do this by making smoothies made from yogurt, fruit, and vegetables.
6. Vitamin D Supplements
Bone conditions are common problems with the elderly. Making sure that they maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis is important. Most people don’t get the recommended vitamin D that is necessary to maintain bone density, protect against chronic diseases, and more.
While getting vitamins and minerals from food is most commonly recommended, it is recommended that your loved one in senior living take vitamin D supplements because as the body ages, skin becomes less efficient at producing vitamin D from sunlight.
7. Health Unsaturated Fats
Omega-3 unsaturated fats are primarily found in fish and have the amazing benefits of possible reduction in rheumatoid arthritis. Studies even suggest that omega-3s may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
The Victorian Assisted Living and Retirement Community
The Victorian is an assisted living and retirement community that makes living independently, while at the same time feeling safe and secure, a reality. We strive to provide the best quality of life for all residents including those suffering from loneliness and depression.
We offer a comprehensive activity program that includes both physical and social activities to encourage emotional well-being. Our staff is trained to assist those with depression. If you or a loved one are considering assisted living, contact The Victorian today to learn more about our services or tour our community.
