When it comes to aging well, few factors are more important than what you eat. While a balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent muscle loss, an unhealthy diet has the opposite effect.

Summer days often come with higher temperatures and humidity. It can be unappealing to heat up the kitchen by cooking. Many people also find heavy meals less appetizing. Fresh salads packed with fruits and vegetables can be a more tempting choice at mealtime.

Every day at Sunrise communities, you’ll find chefs hard at work preparing nutritious meals designed to nourish the body. But we know our residents expect and deserve meal options that are more than just nutritious. They also want foods that look and taste great.

Most of us associate the need for vitamin C with cold and flu season. It pumps up the immune system, helping fight off some types of viruses. But vitamin C does so much more than prevent colds.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important at every age. It helps prevent heart disease, builds core strength, maintains joint health, and more. While many people associate weight management with losing weight, for some seniors it can actually mean putting on a few pounds.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four deaths is due to a heart-related condition. While some heart problems are the result of genetic risk factors, others are related to lifestyle choices.

Vitamins and minerals are essential for optimum health. Unfortunately, many older adults are at increased risk of deficiencies for many reasons. A leading cause is that the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients decreases with age. It can put the senior at risk for illnesses such as osteoporosis, heart disease, asthma, multiple sclerosis, and even some forms of cancer.