What can help boost a senior’s immune system, improve mental capacity and mood, and help increase longevity? The answer is surprising: socializing during mealtime.

For seniors who live alone or have become caregivers for their spouses, meal times can be lonely, leading to loss of appetite and poor nutrition. However, seniors who socialize with friends or family during a meal have been shown to eat more and eat well. That’s why so many seniors thrive in a senior living community, where nutritious meals in a social setting are always on the menu.

Good Times, Good Nutrition

An environment where great food and company are easily available can make all the difference in a senior’s health.

Seniors who socialize while dining – whether with friends or family – fare better than seniors who dine alone. In a study of hospitalized seniors in Canada, those who ate meals in a social setting ate more than those who ate alone. The study also showed a correlation between livelier, more engaged conversation and better food intake.

Social dining combined with a varied, healthful menu helps reduce the risks associated with poor nutrition in seniors. Seniors are less likely to experience symptoms such as unwanted weight loss and compromised immune systems, which both increase vulnerability to illness and age-related maladies.

The Family Connection

Many seniors report that they miss the routine of having regular, social meals with their families at home. Family meals are a time to slow down, talk, and enjoy each other’s company, and they’re an important part of senior health. That’s why families are invited to dine with residents at Sunnyside Manor at no extra cost.

Complimentary meals for family mean that residents can feel comfortable welcoming family to dine with them in their home, and experience all of the benefits of a social family meal.

Families of Sunnyside Manor residents are always welcome to enjoy meals at our community at no charge.

The all new Sunnyside Manor, located in Wall Township, is the area’s premier senior living community. It features three distinctive neighborhoods: Independence ‘Plus’ Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing.