The Spice of Life
By Georgette Kelly, The Manor Village at Scottsdale, Scottsdale LIVNG WELL Magazine
As we age, we undergo physical changes that are easy to spot, but more often than not the subtle changes to our mindset and how we perceive our world go undetected. Many people, especially seniors find that at a time when the world is speeding up and becoming more difficult to understand and deal with, they are struggling to keep up with the pace of life to which they were previously accustomed.
Many seniors find comfort in a lifestyle that enables them to reduce stress and improve the quality of their lives. A retirement community can provide a number of health benefits to enrich the quality of life for senior residents not the least of which is dining.
It is not uncommon for seniors to feel that it is too much of a hassle to cook a meal for just one person, and as a result, they often develop poor eating habits. Poor nutrition is one of the leading causes of psychological and physical problems in aging adults.
As we age there are many factors which can wreak havoc with our eating patterns:
- Taste and Appetite: diminishing sense of taste often results in over-use of salt
- Loss of a spouse or other emotional factors: loneliness & depression
- Loss of mobility to enable shopping for groceries
- Chronic health problems
- Reduced physical activity
- Prescription medications: which may negatively influence appetite
- Digestion: less absorption of vitamins B12, B6 and folic acid
The chefs at The Manor Village Life Centers have been trained to provide more than proper nutritional intake for senior residents. The meal plan is designed to encourage residents to partake in meals by providing tasty, nutritional, elegant “home-style” cooking.
The opportunities for increased socialization and intellectual stimulation during mealtimes will prove to be beneficial to the health and happiness of a senior loved one. Numerous studies have conclusively found improved vitality and a longer life span for seniors who live in an active, fun, stimulating environment such as a retirement community.
The health benefits of community living, both psychological and physical are compelling. At Manor Village Life Centers seniors will find delicious and nutritious meals as well as companionship, socialization, mental stimulation, and a sense of security, knowing someone is there to respond to their needs.
The Manor Village at Scottsdale has a slogan, “living at the Manors will add years to your life,” that has proved to be true. Seniors who make the decision to downsize, simplify their lives and make the move into congregate living, do not have to sacrifice what is surely one of life’s great pleasures – dining well – and will be provided a lifestyle which includes compassion and caring from staff. This can truly be the “recipe” for living better and longer lives.
For more information about a stress free lifestyle at The Manor Village at Scottsdale, please contact the Marketing Director, Georgette Kelly, by calling 480-767-7646. The Manor is located at 9160 E. Desert Cove Avenue, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260. To learn more visit www.themanorvillage.com.
