As we age, maintaining health and wellness is key to living our best lives. That’s why VOANS’ (Volunteers of America National Services) assisted living communities are always looking for ways to support their residents’ holistic health. From encouraging healthy eating habits to offering exercise and physical activity options, social opportunities for emotional wellness, mental health services and more, there are many programs that can help our senior residents thrive in their assisted living communities
How Assisted Living Dietary Programs Create Healthy Eating Habits for Seniors
No matter your age, healthy eating habits are important for your health. This is increasingly true for seniors. Healthy eating promotes vitality and longevity, improves energy levels and can have a positive impact on mental health. At VOANS assisted living communities, we help our residents maintain a healthy diet by offering dietitian-approved meals that are nourishing for both their body and spirit. The dietary programs at our assisted living communities include meals made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and balanced menus that are designed to provide energy, support immunity and can be a valuable part of chronic condition management.
In addition to being healthy and nutritious, we offer a wide variety of meals — not just the same repeated options. All of our meals are delicious and can be tailored to individual dietary needs, including diabetic-friendly meal planning at some locations. Residents are counseled on making informed diabetic meal choices, but they are not restricted or denied certain foods if they choose to enjoy them. Our menus are created with direct input from residents, who are encouraged to offer suggestions through dining surveys, dietary planning meetings, and resident council meetings.
One of the most underrated factors of healthy eating habits is the social aspect. Meals at VOANS assisted living communities are served in a social setting, which can help prevent depression and aids in maintaining healthy weight, since many older adults who live alone do not eat well or lose the desire to eat if they are by themselves.
Assisted Living Exercise Activities That Promote Wellness
Maintaining physical health is one of the most important things residents can do. Exercising regularly improves balance, cardiovascular health, mobility and even mental well-being. VOANS assisted living communities offer a number of opportunities for residents to engage in exercise and physical activities including:
- Daily fitness classes like yoga, chair aerobics, tai chi and strength training
- Balance training
- Walking clubs
- Personal fitness coaching and therapy
Outside of organized activities, VOANS assisted living communities offer safe grounds and facilities for individual exercise.
Wellness Beyond Meals and Movement
Staying healthy involves more than eating well and exercising. VOANS assisted living communities offer access to on-site preventative services like health screenings, flu shot clinics and medication management to promote general health. Mental, intellectual, emotional and social health are also incredibly important to the overall well-being of residents. For example, art and music classes, music therapy sessions, book clubs and brain games can all promote cognitive and intellectual health.
VOANS assisted living communities also have a number of volunteer programs, including some for intergenerational events, that allow residents to enjoy and strengthen social connections with both other residents and people in the community at large. These events and opportunities for social engagement help forge emotional resilience and foster relationships that are critical for emotional and mental health.
Choosing a Healthy Living Assisted Living Community
When looking for the right assisted living situation, choose a community that not only provides basic care, but prioritizes whole-person health of every resident. VOANS assisted living communities are always striving to improve the lives of and support our residents, with high-quality dietary programs, a full calendar of social activities, wellness programs and exercise options designed to promote full-spectrum wellness.
If you’d like to learn more about VOANS assisted living communities, reach out to learn more or schedule a tour.
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