The Allendale Community Encourages Healthy Eating During National Nutrition Month This March & Throughout The Year

With National Nutrition Month just around the corner in March, there is no better time to focus on the immense benefits of healthy eating, particularly for seniors. Those include reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, bone loss, and type 2 diabetes as well as improving emotional well-being. At The Allendale Community for Mature Living, a leading provider of continuing care retirement living located in Bergen County, healthy eating is always in season.

“Good nutrition plays a crucial role in how well one ages,” said E. Susan Swatek, registered dietician at The Allendale Community. “Eating a low-salt, low-fat diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber is clearly essential. It’s important to note that nutritional needs do change with age and daily caloric intake slowly decreases. To maintain an ideal weight, seniors need to increase physical activity while ensuring that they eat the proper amount of protein and less fatty foods.”

The health and well-being of residents is a top priority at The Allendale Community for Mature Living. In January, The Allendale Community hosted “Nutrition and Exercise for the Elderly,” a free seminar by guest speaker Dr. Susan Amy Flanzman of Bergen Medical Associates. The event was part of its Karen Angrist, MSW, LCSW Caregiver’s Support Group and Seminar Series, which is held on a monthly basis featuring health topics that are pertinent to seniors and their families.

Benefits of Snacking
According to Swatek, snacks can curb hunger between meals and be used as a key source of extra nutritional insurance. “Very few people get all the fruits, veggies, whole grains and dairy products they should just from breakfast, lunch and dinner,” added Swatek. “Snacks are a great way to help meet those nutritional needs if chosen wisely.”

Good snack choices include:
- Non-fat yogurt mixed with fresh fruit and granola
- Whole-wheat pita with hummus
- String cheese and whole-grain crackers
- Cereal and milk
- Low-fat pudding cup
- Half of a bagel topped with peanut butter and banana slices

Developed in stages beginning in 1967, The Allendale Community for Mature Living pioneered modern-day eldercare. Today, the continuing care senior campus remains physician-owned and operated, housing four full-service residences. In addition to The Atrium, where residents can utilize long-term care insurance and veteran’s benefits as partial or full payment for the monthly rental fee, The Allendale Community includes Carlton Court, a memory-care neighborhood; The Allendale Nursing Home, a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility; and The Rehabilitation Center at The Allendale Community, which provides subacute services to people of all ages who have suffered an illness or injury.
Located in a quiet suburban neighborhood in Allendale, N.J., just off Route 17 South, the Community also offers a Respite Short-Term Stay Program as well as the Senior Social Club, an adult day program. For more information about The Allendale Community for Mature Living, call (201) 825-0660 or visit www.allendalecommunity.com.

Photo caption:
The Allendale Community for Mature Living recently hosted “Nutrition and Exercise for the Elderly,” a free seminar by guest speaker Dr. Susan Amy Flanzman of Bergen Medical Associates. The event was part of its Karen Angrist, MSW, LCSW Caregiver’s Support Group and Seminar Series, which is held on a monthly basis featuring health topics that are pertinent to seniors and their families. Pictured at the seminar are (left to right): Karen Angrist, MSW, LCSW; Carol Raff, guest; Susan Amy Flanzman, M.D., speaker; and Marion Giordano, director of marketing of The Allendale Community.