At PeachTree Place Assisted Living, serving the Salt Lake City metro area, we want to help you alleviate the dangers of eating alone for seniors by offering a loving assisted living community environment. Unfortunately, seniors are affected in negative ways both emotionally and physically by eating alone more than any other age demographic.
Elderly Depression
Eating alone can trigger various negative emotional and mental health responses. The reason you or an elderly loved one might be dining alone may be because of the loss of a spouse. Meals that are no longer shared with a beloved partner can bring up feelings of grief and sadness. Meals are social experiences and may be a reminder of what has been lost. Opportunities to eat with friends within a thriving community, like our assisted living community in Utah, can help lift the fog of depression that descends at meal times.
A Major Cause of Malnutrition
Because of the negative emotional association of spending meal times alone, many older adults become malnourished because it’s easier to simply skip meals. Many report a loss of purpose when it comes to preparing meals – “who do I have cook for?”, “the clean up is not worth it”, “all of this food will go to waste”. Sadly, many feel that if there is no one to eat with, there is no reason to go to any trouble, or even eat at all. Malnutrition is one of the greatest dangers of seniors eating alone.
Group Dining & Eating Together
We understand the pitfalls that surround eating alone as you age. That is why at PeachTree Place Assisted Living, we offer a shared group communal dining room and encourage our residents to eat together, for this particular problem. Humans are wired for social interaction, and nothing is more heartwarming than sharing a meal. It’s good for our mental state and also for overall health and wellness.
We encourage group dining as a way to create bonds and develop new friendships, but each of our apartments also come equipped with kitchenettes for private meals with new friends. Our all-inclusive approach provides a simple way to make sure each resident is connected, healthy and happy. Learn more about our Meals & Snacks and check out our sample menu.
- Community Style Dining Room
- Daily Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Eat Without Having To Cook & Clean
- Plan With Our Meal Calendar
- Snacks Provided
- Ice Cream Parlor
- Dietary Restrictions
- Weight Control & Balanced Meals
- Nutritionist On Staff
- Group Outings Off-Site At Various Restaurants
- Private In-Apartment Kitchenettes
- Make New Friends
Make Eating Alone More Stimulating
If you or the senior in your life does choose to eat alone for some reason, there are a few tips and tricks that can make it feel more stimulating. For example:
- Make a weekly meal plan to have a schedule.
- Experiment with new recipes.
- Eat in different rooms of the house.
- Set your table with beautiful items.
- Go out to eat when the budget allows.
- Eat at church events or potlucks.
Help For Lonely Seniors In Salt Lake City
We don’t want any senior to have to experience the dangers of eating alone. Plan a visit today to PeachTree Place Assisted Living in West Haven, Utah and find out more about our assisted living community in the Salt Lake City and Ogden area. We want all of our seniors to thrive. We believe the “golden years” really can be some of the best years of our lives. Contact us today to schedule a tour.
