National Nutrition Month: How Skilled Nursing Supports Senior Wellness
National Nutrition Month is a month dedicated to educating people about nutrition. The focus of the month’s goal is to help people understand the benefits of healthy eating, how to choose healthy foods, and how to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine.
“Discover the Power of Nutrition” is the theme for March 2026’s National Nutrition Month.
Why Nutrition Is Important For Older Adults
Aging significantly impacts physical health. As you get older, physical changes affect your immune system’s ability to respond to viruses and infections. The risk of significant health issues increases, with chronic illnesses affecting 93% of adults 65 and older.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in overall health. Consuming a balanced diet also helps older adults get the nutrients they need to remain more independent and support their physical and mental well-being.
A healthy diet can also help older adults remain physically active, supporting effective immune function and helping them fight off infections.
How Nutritional Needs Change With Age
Older adults need fewer calories than younger adults, but they need higher amounts of specific nutrients, such as:
- Calcium
- Protein
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
Older adults can support their immune system by ensuring their diet includes the following:
- Iron: Red meat and nuts.
- Vitamin A: Eggs, fish, liver, mangoes, and spinach.
- Vitamin C: Broccoli, grapefruit, lemons, and oranges.
- Vitamin D: Fortified cow’s milk and yogurt, salmon, and egg yolks.
- Vitamin E: Nuts, seeds, and spinach.
- Zinc: Dairy, poultry, and shellfish.
Older adults are also at risk of dehydration, and need to consume more water to ensure they have enough fluids to absorb nutrients.
Older adults should also increase their fiber intake. The digestive system does not function as effectively as people age, and increased fiber intake helps prevent constipation.
Common Nutrition Challenges Seniors Face
Lack of access to healthy foods jeopardizes older adults’ health. Many seniors are on fixed incomes and may not have the funds to consume balanced, nutritious meals that prioritize the right food groups.
Older adults are also at increased risk of developing serious health conditions, such as arthritis and depression. Arthritis can physically interfere with a person’s ability to engage in food prep and cooking tasks, making them reliant on pre-packaged meals that may not meet their nutritional needs.
Additionally, older adults struggling with depression may find it hard to motivate themselves to go shopping or cook nutritious meals.
The Role Of Proper Nutrition In Preventing Illness
Nutritional health supports the immune system by enabling older adults to enjoy physical activities. Consuming healthy foods also promotes the growth of immune system cells and helps them function effectively.
A strong immune system can prevent infections and remember prior health threats, including:
- Bacteria
- Parasites
- Viruses
The ability to recall these threats allows the immune system to respond more efficiently and eliminate them.
How Does Monument Health Group Support National Nutrition Month?
Monument Health promotes senior wellness by highlighting National Nutrition Month’s theme and providing nutritional information on the benefits of healthy eating and the best dietary options for maintaining optimal health.
Monument Health’s dietary support team includes registered dietitian nutritionists who educate residents about the power of nutrition and how a healthy diet can improve their quality of life. Our dietary team also works with each resident, making dietary recommendations based on their health and unique needs. Whether a resident has diabetes, balance issues, or arthritis, our team can help identify the best nutrients to support their health and recovery goals.
Delicious and Nutritious Meals: A Vital Part Of Resident Care At Monument Health
Monument Health prioritizes each resident’s whole health care. Our medical teams include dieticians who consider each person’s unique health concerns and recommend foods with the nutrients needed to support their health.
Our dietary teams also provide counseling and specialized care for residents with diabetes and those receiving ventilator care. As part of residents’ care teams, our professionals communicate with families, ensuring they’re aware of the health benefits of the dietary plan and how to use a nutritious diet to promote their loved one’s health, if they return home after receiving skilled nursing care.
