Using food to protect seniors’ mental health

Twenty percent of people aged 55 years or older experience some type of mental health concern, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Unfortunately, these concerns may slip through the cracks as seniors have to manage challenges including physical decline, grief or other unexpected life changes at the same time. But food can play a helpful role in protecting mental health at this stage of life – and on several levels. Nutrition is critical to supporting brain health and managing other chronic health problems. Protein-rich foods like fatty fish, beans, nuts and seeds may help improve cognitive functioning and regulate mood. Foods rich in B vitamins, antioxidants and fiber – think leafy greens, whole grains, berries, and dark chocolate, to name a few examples – can protect the brain from inflammation, which may worsen anxiety disorders, fatigue, and memory issues.
Beyond nutrition, food can also be used to strengthen a person’s connections – with cultural heritage, home, friends, and younger generations. A study from the National Institutes of Health found that shared meals in senior care homes are vital to residents’ social and psychological health: They are major social events of the day and may be among the few activities that enable residents to socially interact with consistent companions. Providing opportunities for connection before, during and after meals can strengthen the bonds that support mental health. This could include coffee stations open throughout the day, trivia games on dining room tables, or book discussions over lunch. Technology-enabled virtual meals with a resident’s family and friends living far away can also help manage loneliness and support mental wellbeing.

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