Senior Living Dining Trends in 2022
Older adults are embracing healthy living in a variety of ways, from trying out different types of fitness activities, such as Pilates or yoga, to exploring meditation and lifelong learning. We know wellness plays a key role in quality of life. But there is probably nothing more vital than nutrition. What you eat impacts how long and well you live.
As Baby Boomers retire and move to Life Plan Communities, they’re bringing about change in senior living meals and dining services programs. If you or a loved one has been contemplating moving to a Life Plan Community, some of the latest senior dining trends might make you ready to start packing.
Senior Living Dining Trends in 2022
As researchers learn more about nutrition, and senior nutrition in particular, it’s more apparent than ever that it’s not a one-size-fits-all lifestyle choice.
A tailored approach to menu planning that accommodates special dietary needs is a senior living dining trend that’s likely here to stay. A few of the choices most senior living communities offer residents include:
- Heart-healthy: It’s probably not a surprise to learn that heart disease claims more lives in this country than any other health condition. While some people have genetics that predispose them to it, for many it’s linked to lifestyle choices. A poor diet is one. That’s why you’ll see menu options designed to be heart-smart. Fresh fruits and vegetables combined with lean sources of protein, such as fish and chicken, are staples when you’re dining at a retirement community.
- Gluten-free: As researchers have come up with better ways to diagnose conditions like celiac disease, the number of people adopting a gluten-free diet has skyrocketed. It’s no longer seen as a fad, but as an essential way of maintaining health. Gluten-free menu options have become standard on many senior menus.
- Brain-healthy: This is an area in which science continues to evolve. But researchers now believe diet plays a role in brain health. According to the Mayo Clinic, the MIND Diet might slow brain aging by up to 7.5 years and reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Much like a heart-healthy diet, it’s built around fresh fruits and vegetables. It also includes nuts and fish, and very little red meat.
- Vegan or vegetarian: Though these diets are often associated with young adults, people of all ages are actually attracted to this lifestyle choice. Dining services programs have become more innovative in the types of vegan and vegetarian meals they offer.
The latest trends don’t stop at just the types of meals offered, either. Communities are experimenting with everything from what type of dining venues they have to the times of day residents can enjoy meals.
Innovative Food and Dining Trends in Senior Living
Gone are the days when mealtimes and menus were limited to just a few alternatives. In today’s senior living communities, freedom and choice are key components of dining services. You’ll now find options that accommodate a resident’s daily schedule and what sounds good to them on any given day.
At Regency Oaks, for example, a resident can grab a quick lunch at Tavern in the Oaks or enjoy a cocktail with friends at the pub. If you prefer, a meal can be delivered right to your door. Should you want to eat a formal meal in the dining room or reserve a private dining room for a special occasion, that’s your choice to make, too!
Dining Innovation at Regency Oaks
Innovative dining options are one of the many services and amenities that residents of Regency Oaks enjoy as part of their monthly fee. A few of the many others include scheduled transportation, an on-site beauty/barber shop, concierge services, and a fitness center, all on the campus of our pet-friendly Regency Oaks Life Plan Community. Contact us today to set up a time to join us for lunch or dinner and a private tour!