50+ Lifestyles

March is National Nutrition Month

By Peggy Dykes
Community Relations Director
Milestone’ Area Agency on Aging

March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right,” encourages everyone to take time to enjoy food traditions and appreciate the pleasures, great flavors and social experiences food can add to our lives. How, when, why and where we eat are just as important as what we eat. Develop a mindful eating pattern that includes nutritious and flavorful foods.

For older adults, the benefits of healthy eating include increased mental acuteness, resistance to illness and disease, higher energy levels, faster recuperation times, and better management of chronic health problems. As we age, eating well can also be the key to a positive outlook and staying
emotionally balanced. But healthy eating doesn’t have to be about dieting and sacrifice. Eating well as an older adult is all about fresh, colorful food, creativity in the kitchen, and eating with friends.

A good way to “savor the flavor” is eating at a Senior Meal Center. Milestones Area Agency on Aging’ facilitates 60 locations in their 17 county service area. Each center is unique and strives to improve quality of life by providing opportunities to come together to socialize, to help connect to community resources, to learn to live a healthier lifestyle and to obtain a nutritious meal.

Anyone age 60-plus, along with their spouse of any age, is welcome to dine at a Senior Nutrition Center, regardless of income. Meals are funded in part by the Older Americans Act and with voluntary contributions by age-eligible participants. Service will not be denied based on level of  contribution. Homebound seniors in most areas can also enjoy a hot, nutritious meal delivered right to their home.

Locations, serving days and times are listed on Milestones website at www.milestonesaaa.org or call 1-855-410-6222 for a brochure with all the details.

Peggy Dykes is Community Relations Director at Milestones Area Agncy on Aging. She can be reached at (563) 324-9085, ext. 212 or at pdykes@milestonesaaa.org.