Nutrient deficiencies, reduced mobility, and slower metabolic functions all contribute to a decline in health as we age. Maintaining a healthy diet and getting a reasonable amount of exercise daily can counteract some of these changes and improve our overall health and quality of life. It’s important to be aware of the changes necessary to enhance senior nutrition to promote better health and wellness as we age. Check out what dietary changes can be made to meet the nutritional needs of seniors to help them thrive.

Fewer Calories but More Nutrients

Seniors may need fewer calories to obtain the necessary energy to go about their normal day and maintain their weight. However, they will still need to maintain or increase their levels of some nutrients. Their diet should contain plenty of fresh, green vegetables, fruits, lean meats and proteins, fish, healthy fats and oils, and fiber.

Increased Protein Intake

As we age, we lose muscle tone and strength. This increases the risk of falls and bone fractures. Increasing protein intake can help maintain muscle mass and improve strength and balance.

More Natural Fiber

Increased consumption of natural fiber can reduce the risk of constipation and promote gut health and regular bowel movements. Taking fiber supplements can help, but it’s better to get fiber through food intake — that means consuming plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables along with whole grains.

Add Nutrients Like Calcium, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin C

Seniors should also increase their intake of certain nutrients that can improve their health and counteract some of the effects of aging. Calcium and vitamin D can improve bone health. Vitamin B12 maintains healthy brain function and is essential for making red blood cells. Potassium can improve blood pressure and reduce the risk of kidney stones, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids can lower the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Magnesium can improve sleep and promote relaxation. Iron can reduce the risk of anemia, exhaustion, and bruising. 

Supporting Balanced and Nutritious Living

At Twin Town Villa, we take senior nutrition seriously. We provide healthy, home-cooked meals to our residents, and these meals cater to individual residents’ nutritional needs, dietary preferences, personal preferences, and lifestyles. We believe it’s important to offer our residents choices, so that they can maintain control over their lives and enjoy some independence and autonomy. To learn more, contact us to schedule a tour of the community or call us at (218) 643-9542. 

As you age, your risk of depression and isolation increases. Elderly people with health issues or who can’t drive have a harder time making social visits and keeping up with friends and family. Their friend group may also dwindle as people become ill and pass away. Helping your elderly loved one maintain a sense of community and social engagement will give them a better chance of feeling happy, loved, and cared for. See how a sense of community for seniors is important:

Social Connection

Isolation and loneliness can increase an elderly person’s chances of physical and mental health issues. Participating in a social community, like a senior living community, can reduce their risk of isolation and give them opportunities to engage with their peers. Maintaining this type of social connection can improve cognitive function and decrease the chances of age-related decline, as well as improve their overall sense of well-being. 

Support Network

Your loved one’s community is a secondary support network for them as they age. Having access to emotional support is vital for maintaining mental health. A senior living community that offers organized events, activities, and support groups can support your loved one’s mental health and alleviate stress, anxiety, and isolation. 

Purpose & Engagement

High levels of social interaction with a community will allow your elderly loved one to maintain their sense of purpose in life. Engaging with others, making new friends, volunteering, and taking part in a daily routine will help your loved one feel motivated and fulfilled. They will also have greater self-confidence and self-worth. 

Active Lifestyle

When your loved one has the support of a community, they are more likely to stay active and healthy. If your loved one’s senior living community offers group exercise classes, these classes can help them maintain healthy habits while spending time with their peers.

Find Your Community at Twin Town Villa

At Twin Town Villa, we offer a rich, full senior living community. Our Community Life program caters to the residents’ needs, interests, and abilities. Our activity program, “A Part of You,” has a strong central philosophy: our residents’ experiences, hobbies, and interests are the focus. To learn more, contact us to schedule a tour of the community or call us at (218) 643-9542 with questions. 

In every exceptional memory care assisted living facility lies a group of extraordinary individuals who form the very heartbeat of the community. These are the dedicated and compassionate staff members who work tirelessly to create a haven of care, support, and companionship for the residents. Join us as we explore the crucial role of our staff and the importance of growing their numbers.

Our Beloved Staff

Behind every comforting smile, every reassuring touch, and every patient explanation, stand the beloved staff of Twin Town Villa. These dedicated individuals pour their hearts and souls into their work, day in and day out, to ensure that our residents experience the highest quality of life. Their commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and security in an environment that can be challenging for our residents is commendable.

The Bonds They Create

Every member of our staff is more than an employee; they are an integral part of our family at Twin Town Villa. Their unwavering dedication, sincere kindness, and boundless patience make this place feel like home for our residents. From the cheerful greetings in the morning to the tender assistance at night, it’s the small gestures that have a monumental impact on the lives of those under our care.

The Value They Bring

The staff at Twin Town Villa wear many hats: caregivers, companions, therapists, and advocates. They tailor their interactions to each resident’s unique needs, ensuring that dignity and respect are upheld at all times. From engaging in stimulating activities that promote cognitive function to providing assistance with daily tasks, our staff’s multifaceted roles contribute significantly to the well-being of our residents.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To our remarkable staff at Twin Town Villa, we want to say thank you. Thank you for your unwavering dedication. Thank you for your selflessness. Thank you for bringing joy and comfort to our residents’ lives. As the heartbeat of our community, you are the reason this community thrives, and your contributions do not go unnoticed.

Joining the Twin Town Villa Family

Are you searching for a meaningful career that allows you to make a profound impact on the lives of others? Look no further than Twin Town Villa. We are actively seeking compassionate individuals who are dedicated to enhancing the lives of our residents. By becoming a part of our close-knit family, you’ll not only provide essential care but also forge lasting relationships that enrich your life as well.

As temperatures rise and you spend more time in the sun, safety precautions should be taken to avoid summer health problems. Seniors are at a greater risk for heat exhaustion, sun stroke, sun burns, skin cancer, and dehydration. Therefore, it is crucial to make your wellbeing a priority by taking the appropriate measures in order to mitigate these risks.

Follow These 4 Tips for a Safer Summer:

Stay Hydrated

Make sure to drink plenty of water, clear juices, and any other beverages that don’t contain alcohol, excessive sugar, or caffeine. 

Wear Sunscreen & Avoid Direct Sun Exposure

Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible. Stay in the shade or plan outdoor activities for the early morning or at dusk. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and loose light-colored clothing when possible. You should also wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen when going outside. Make sure it has an SPF of 15 or higher and apply it every two hours.

Relax in the Air Conditioning as Much as Possible

If you start to overheat, move inside to where it is cool, preferably in the air conditioning. If your living space doesn’t have air conditioning, consider going to a movie theater, mall, library, or other location that is air conditioned. You can also take a cool shower or bath, or put wet washcloths or towels on your neck, wrists, ankles, and underarms. 

Watch for Signs of Heat-Related Summer Health Problems

Time is crucial if you start to demonstrate signs of a heat-related summer health problem. Know what symptoms to watch for so you can get help before it’s too late. 

• Dehydration – Muscle weakness and cramps, headaches, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, and loss of consciousness.
• Heat stroke – Red, hot, and dry skin, a body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or more, a fast pulse, headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, lethargy, and loss of consciousness.
• Heat exhaustion – Heavy sweating or no sweating, muscle cramps and weakness, paleness, cold or clammy skin, headaches, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, a fast or weak pulse, and loss of consciousness.

Stay Safe at Twin Town Villa

If you are thinking about moving into a senior living community to live a safer life, contact us at Twin Town Villa. We have compassionate staff that treat all residents like family. They are committed to providing nothing short of exceptional service and can help you build a safer life. If you have questions or would like to schedule a tour of our community, call us at (218)643-9542. We are here for you!