Gathering at the dinner table to share a meal with others is one of the healthiest habits older adults can adopt. The benefits of eating together go beyond better nutrition. For many seniors, the opportunity to socialize can be every bit as important as the balanced meal on their plate.
Why Eating Alone Can Be Particularly Problematic for Older Adults
Older adults who live and eat alone are more likely to eat whatever is most convenient, and often that’s not the healthiest option. They may skip meals because it can seem like too much effort, or they may not enjoy dining alone because it makes them feel lonely. In some cases, seniors simply may not be able to prepare a hot, nourishing meal for themselves.
For these and other reasons, malnutrition is a common problem among older adults. It can weaken the immune system and lead to a long list of other health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
Paradoxically, proper nutrition can be more important than ever at this stage of life. Along with different dietary requirements that often come with aging, many older adults find they need to reduce their food intake to maintain a healthy weight because their metabolism has slowed. Some also notice their appetite isn’t as good as it once was — a problem some prescription medications can make worse.
The less food you eat, the more it’s necessary to ensure the food you do eat is nutritionally dense. That’s true whether you’re 16 or 60-plus.
Communities like Park Senior Villas offer group home dining for seniors, making it easy for residents to enjoy delicious, expertly prepared meals that meet older adults’ nutritional requirements every day. And with family-style dining, residents can always enjoy some company and conversation with their breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
What Is Family-Style Dining?
In many senior living communities, residents dine in a restaurant-like setting, where they order from a menu and their food is brought to the table on a plate. While that’s still the norm in most independent living communities, more assisted living communities are discovering how residents can benefit from family-style dining.
At Park Senior Villas, we’ve always had family-style dining, which is just what it sounds like: Residents join each other at the dining table just like families do when they eat together at home. They pass the serving dishes around the table and help themselves to whatever they want to put on their plate.
At each villa, our culinary staff prepares three wholesome meals a day in the open kitchen, and snacks are always available. Our menus are developed by a registered dietitian, and we switch them up frequently to take full advantage of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
(In case you’re wondering, yes, we can easily accommodate special dietary needs.)
Although meals begin at the same time every day, not everyone has to eat at the same time. Take breakfast, for example. Whether residents prefer to get up at the crack of dawn or they like to sleep in, everyone can start their day with a hot, delicious meal.
The whole idea is to encourage better nutrition, and better overall health, by making mealtimes easier and more enjoyable. And by the way, family members and guests are always welcome at the table, too!
Family-Style Dining Feeds Several Needs
Research underscores the importance of eating together not just for physical health but for mental and social health as well.
Compared with those who eat alone, seniors who eat together are more likely to eat nutritious meals on a regular basis instead of choosing unhealthy alternatives (such as indulging in comfort food or junk food, or skipping meals. In addition, older adults who dine with others tend to:
- Be less likely to have chronic diseases or be obese
- Experience an increased sense of well-being
- Feel less lonely, anxious, and depressed
- Enjoy a greater sense of belonging
- Have stronger relationships and feel more connected
- Laugh more and experience more joy
- Eat a more varied diet and derive greater satisfaction from their food
Plus, engaging in conversations at mealtime provides mental stimulation. It’s a great way for seniors to exercise their memory and attention, which benefits their cognitive health.
It’s easy to see how all of these positive aspects of family-style dining can lead to a better quality of life.
Getting the Conversation Going
Sharing a meal is an ideal time for exchanging thoughts, memories, and ideas. If you have older family members who live close enough to invite to lunch or dinner, here are some suggested prompts for getting — and keeping — the conversation going. Ask them:
- Who is/was their favorite actor/singer/author/celebrity?
- What was their first job?
- What kind of animal was their first pet?
- What childhood memories come to mind easily?
- What are some achievements they’re especially proud of?
- If they could go back and change (or relive) one event or decision in their life, what would it be?
- What was the biggest obstacle they had to overcome (in school, their career, or some other situation)?
- Who was their favorite teacher or mentor?
- If they could go back in time, what era or event would they like to visit? Or is there a historical figure or ancestor they’d like to meet?
- If they were to start a new career today, what would it be?
- What is the best piece of advice they could offer to anyone in general, based on their experience?
We’re Like Family, and Not Just at the Table!
At Park Senior Villas, we believe in the power of relationships. We’ve designed our communities so that about 10 or so residents live together in each villa, and the same staff members assist them every day and night.
This structure, along with our low caregiver-to-resident ratio, lets us really get to know each and every resident, as well as their families. Over time, friendships form and deepen. In many ways, it feels like we’re all part of the same big family.
If you have a loved one who could benefit from our family-like environment for assisted living or memory care, we hope you’ll set up a time to visit a Park Senior Villas location near you. And if you’re curious about family-style dining at Park Senior Villas, take a look at our sample menu.
Contact us to arrange a visit, or call 602-345-1992 for more information.
