Did you know that our bodies begin to lose muscle mass as early as the age of 40? This decline lasts well into our August years, increasing the risk of slip-and-fall accidents and delaying wound and injury healing. While a healthy diet must include a diverse range of nutrients such as carbohydrates, healthy fats and minerals, one nutrient is more important than the rest. This nutrient is protein, regarded as the body’s building block. It plays an important role in hormonal rejuvenation, and the growth of new cells, ligaments, neurotransmitters and enzymes.
According to scientific studies, adults over the age of 50 require an average protein intake of 75 grams. Many family members are unable to consume this amount of protein because they may lack the ability to prepare a wholesome, protein-rich meal daily. Grocery shopping, daily cooking and meal planning may appear to be physically, emotionally and cognitively demanding activities that most people are unable to complete. Retirement living in Corrales, NM can provide your loved ones with the protein-rich meals they need to live a healthy lifestyle.
Here’s an overview of why protein is so important for older adults and how retirement communities accommodate such diets into their dining plans.
Why Do Older Adults Need More Protein?
As you or your loved ones age, their body tissues wear out and their immunity depletes quickly. Protein is required for the body to catch up with tissue repair and for the growth of new cells. Increased protein consumption is also a reality during older years because an older person’s body may lack the ability to process and utilize protein as well as it did in their younger years. There are also more medical conditions to deal with, such as chronic and lifestyle diseases that emerge at this age, inflammation, injury and accident risks that rely on protein-rich elements in the body.
What are the Risks Associated With Low Protein in Older Adults?
Muscle mass loss is a common source of concern for loved ones over the age of 50. They are at risk of developing sarcopenia, a condition characterized by significant loss of strength, muscle mass and physical function. This can result in slip-and-fall accidents, fatigue and other injury risks, affecting their ability to perform daily tasks and overall quality of life. A daily quantifiable protein intake in their food is an excellent way to prevent such age-related ailments.
How Retirement Living Communities in Corrales NM Contribute to a Protein-Rich Diet
You or your loved ones can rest assured about a protein-rich diet if they’re receiving care at a retirement living community. Most retirement communities have a planned daily meal routine that ensures the residents’ protein needs are met. Here are some protein-rich foods they may include in their breakfast, lunch or dinner:
Vegetarian Sources of Protein
- Peanut butter toast and soy milk
- Rice and beans
- Cheese, milk or yogurt
- Nuts such as almonds, hemp seeds or protein-powder smoothies
- Half a cup of tofu – contains up to 10 grams of protein
- Shelled edamame – contains up to 9 grams of protein
- Quinoa
- Lentils
Non-vegetarian Sources of Protein:
- Eggs
- Tuna/salmon fish
- Chicken breast
- Grilled beef
These are just a few examples of protein-rich foods that, depending on the resident’s dietary preferences, can be combined with other ingredients to make a balanced meal.
