How to Cater to the Taste Buds of Seniors

Food For Thought:

Eating well is key to living life to the fullest, no matter what your age. But dietary requirements can change as we get older. Not only do our taste buds start to lose their sensitivity, but how much we eat, and how we prepare it can have a significant impact on our health.

“We know from statistics that seniors are expected to outnumber children in Canada by 2015,” says Gary McBlain, corporate chef at Revera, a leading provider of retirement residences with a 50 year history of serving seniors. “As a society we've learned a lot about helping kids eat better. Now we need to focus on our seniors. After all, they love food too.”

The first tip on Chef McBlain's list is to not get into the rut of cooking the same meals over and over again. Variety is important not only to keep things interesting, but also to ensure seniors are getting all the necessary nutrients.

“Providing great tasting, well–balanced meals with excellent service is an expectation of our residents,” said McBlain. “That's why at our retirement homes, the quality of our food and dining service is critically important.”

When cooking for yourself or for the seniors in your life, Chef McBlain has a few tips:

•    Add flavour, not salt: As we age, we start to lose some sense of smell. This loss affects the way we taste food. Rather than simply using more salt, liven up your meals by adding fresh herbs or herb pastes, spices in moderation, and other concentrated flavours like citrus juice or mustard.

•    Freshen up and eat your veggies: Try to purchase more fresh foods rather than processed or prepackaged meals. Fresh ingredients always have less of the “the bad stuff,” says Gary, like sodium, corn sugars, fats and preservatives.

•    Consider texture: Some seniors may have trouble chewing tough foods. Try slowly braising meats instead of grilling or baking. Pounding chicken or pork with a mallet before cooking can help tenderize meat, making it easier to chew.

•    Watch portion sizes: Seniors need fewer calories and tend to eat smaller meals. Serving seniors large portions can actually decrease their appetite. An example of an ideal portion for seniors: 3–4 oz. of chicken, fish or meat; 2 spoonfuls of rice, pasta or mashed potatoes; and 1 cup of vegetables.

More tips from Chef McBlain, including easy to make recipes can be found on the retirement living section at www.reveraliving.com.

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