John Wasileski, owner of OceanView at Falmouth and Cumberland Crossing, penned this op-ed for the Portland Press Herald on October 1st.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle becomes increasingly important as we get older, and one of the cornerstones of that lifestyle is our diet. For seniors, adopting healthy eating habits can significantly impact both physical and mental well-being, leading to a more vibrant, active, and enjoyable life. Keep reading to learn six simple healthy eating habits for seniors.
As we age, our calorie needs may decrease due to reduced physical activity, but the need for essential nutrients remains high. This makes it crucial to consume nutrient-dense foods that provide maximum health benefits without extra calories. Focus on including:
Fruits and Vegetables: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they help protect against heart disease, cancer, and other age-related conditions. Try incorporating a variety of colors to maximize nutrient intake.
Whole Grains: Foods like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole-wheat bread provide fiber that supports digestive health and helps manage blood sugar levels.
Lean Protein: Protein helps maintain muscle mass, which is especially important for seniors to stay strong and mobile. Opt for lean sources like poultry, fish, legumes, and plant-based options like tofu.
Hydration is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of a senior’s diet. As we age, the sensation of thirst diminishes, making it easier to become dehydrated. Drinking enough water is vital for proper digestion, joint health, and temperature regulation. Some simple tips to encourage healthy hydration include the following:
Aging can sometimes come with slower metabolism and reduced activity levels, which may contribute to conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Focus on portion control by eating smaller, more frequent meals to avoid overeating.
Using smaller plates is a simple way to help control portions visually. Most importantly, listen to your body’s hunger cues and stop when feeling satisfied, not overly full.
Not all fats are created equal. Healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, are essential for maintaining heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function. Seniors should aim to include:
Highly processed foods and those with added sugars can lead to spikes in blood sugar and increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. Seniors should strive to limit packaged snacks, like chips or baked goods, sugary drinks, and processed meats such as bacon and sausage, which are often high in salt and saturated fat. Instead, choose whole, unprocessed foods and natural sweeteners like fresh fruits to satisfy sweet cravings.
Maintaining strong bones is essential to prevent falls and fractures, which can become more common as we age. For this, calcium and vitamin D play essential roles in bone health. To support strong bones, be sure to consume plenty of dairy products such as yogurt, cheese and milk. Leafy greens like kale and spinach also provide plant-based calcium. For vitamin D, spend time outdoors to help boost natural levels from sunlight!
At OceanView at Falmouth, we understand the importance of healthy eating habits for seniors as a cornerstone of a vibrant and fulfilling retirement. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods, staying hydrated, managing portion sizes, and making smart choices, seniors can enjoy improved energy levels, better health outcomes, and enhanced quality of life. Whether you’re planning meals at home or enjoying the gourmet offerings in our community dining facilities, healthy eating can lead to longevity and vitality well into your golden years.
To learn more about our active retirement community, contact us to schedule a tour at OceanView today!
As our needs evolve, choosing a retirement community that offers a comprehensive care continuum helps to ensure a worry-free future and seamless transitions in care. Join us as we explore the advantages of a care continuum in retirement communities and discover how OceanView can be your answer for a fulfilling, active retirement.
A care continuum refers to a range of health care services that support individuals at every stage of their aging journey. It’s a proactive approach that ensures residents receive the appropriate level of care as their needs change over time. At OceanView, the care continuum encompasses everything from independent living to assisted living, memory care, and long-term care, all within one community. This seamless transition between care levels eliminates the stress and uncertainty of finding new accommodations as needs evolve.
One of the most significant advantages of a care continuum in active retirement communities is the peace of mind it offers to residents and their families. Knowing that appropriate care is readily available when and if needed alleviates worries about future healthcare needs. OceanView’s continuum of care gives residents and their families the assurance that their evolving needs will always be met, providing a sense of security and peace.
For your loved ones, this continuity is equally reassuring. Knowing that you’re in a community that can meet your needs as you age alleviates the stress and anxiety that often comes with caregiving. It allows your family to focus on spending quality time with you, rather than worrying about your care arrangements.
Moving to a new community or facility can be a challenging transition, both emotionally and logistically. With a care continuum, residents can seamlessly transition to higher levels of care within the same community, should the need arise. This eliminates the stress of uprooting, helps maintain established relationships, and allows residents to remain connected with the community they have grown to love.
A care continuum in an active retirement community ensures that residents receive personalized care tailored to their specific needs. Whether it’s assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, or specialized memory care, OceanView’s dedicated and compassionate staff create individualized care plans to meet each resident’s unique requirements. This personalized approach ensures that every resident receives the support they need to thrive and maintain their independence.
A key benefit of a retirement community with a care continuum is that you only pay for the care you need, precisely when you need it. Unlike in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) or Life Care community, where residents often have to pre-pay more for potential future care that they may never require, a care continuum model offers a more flexible and cost-effective approach. This model allows you to enjoy independent living without the financial burden of pre-paying for extensive care services, while still providing access to various levels of care as your needs evolve.
As you plan for your retirement, consider the advantages of a care continuum within an active retirement community.
At OceanView, we offer a care continuum that extends our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents. From our vibrant independent living options to assisted living and memory care services, our community is designed to cater to the individual needs and preferences of each resident. Enjoy your retirement with confidence, knowing that your health and well-being are in capable hands. Contact us today to learn more!
Retirement offers a beautiful opportunity to continue the journey of discovery, and one of the most fulfilling ways to continue growing and enriching our lives is through lifelong learning. From local classes to picking up a new hobby, there are a myriad of opportunities for seniors to expand their knowledge and explore new horizons. Join us as we delve into the various lifelong learning opportunities for retirees in Maine and consider the vibrant community we offer at OceanView for your continued growth and fulfillment. Read more
Maintaining autonomy and independence is a crucial consideration for many when planning for retirement. That’s why active retirement communities like OceanView at Falmouth are designed with one primary goal in mind: to empower residents to live their best, most independent lives.
Join us as we explore some helpful strategies for maintaining independence in retirement, and how living in an active retirement community like OceanView can support independence for the future. Whether you’re planning for the future or considering options for a loved one, our insights and advice will help you navigate this exciting transition with confidence and ease. Read more
Staying active becomes increasingly important as we age for maintaining overall health and well-being. However, for seniors with limited mobility, finding suitable exercises can be challenging. While traditional workouts might seem daunting, the great outdoors offers a plethora of gentle exercises tailored to seniors’ needs. From serene strolls to calming stretches, we highlight a few low-impact outdoor activities to try! Read more
OceanView at Falmouth has named Mitchell DeBortoli as its new Sustainability Coordinator.
In this position, DeBortoli will lead OceanView’s sustainability initiatives, which, over the last decade, have included the installation of solar panels on homes and common buildings throughout the community, the addition of heat pumps, solar-powered water heaters, the installation of electric vehicle car-charging stations, and a campus-wide naturalization plan, which has included the expansion of pollinator habitats. DeBortoli will also oversee the sustainability initiatives at OceanView’s sister community, Cumberland Crossing by OceanView, a community of freestanding homes in Cumberland, which features solar panels and generators as standard features on all homes.
“The community at OceanView recognizes the importance of sustainability and being conscious of the impact that humans have on the world around them,” DeBortoli said. “Working for an organization that recognizes these ideas is important to me, and getting to make an impact in the community I work in is very fulfilling.”
DeBortoli also aims to explore sustainable and carbon-neutral building materials and tiles that OceanView can use in the years ahead. Prior to joining OceanView at Falmouth, DeBortoli spent two years as an environmental scientist for the engineering firm and government contractor Leidos, which is based in Virginia.
He lives in Portland, Maine.
Just as physical exercise keeps our bodies strong, engaging in activities that stimulate our brains can help keep our minds sharp and agile. At OceanView, we understand the significance of cognitive health and have curated a list of mental sharpness techniques that can help seniors stimulate their brains. Keep reading to learn more! Read more
As retirement approaches, many seniors look forward to the prospect of living in an active retirement community—a place where they can enjoy their newfound freedom while engaging in various activities and socializing with like-minded individuals. One of the most exciting aspects of transitioning to such a community is the opportunity to customize your living space to suit your individual preferences and lifestyle.
Here are some helpful tips and tricks for personalized retirement living spaces to make your home your own. Read more
