A senior living community’s approach to finding the best wellness technology should begin with an examination of the needs of its residents and staff members, according to a new report developed with a group of providers and other experts.

A International Council on Active Aging Forum think tank of 60 leaders in senior living, community-based services and technology companies met in the fall to formulate recommendations on helping communities develop a wellness technology, or well tech, vision, as well as implementation strategies. The group’s work was compiled in “The promise of well-tech,” a report released Tuesday by ICAA.

“It was extremely valuable to have both the senior living leadership and the technology companies in the same room,” ICAA CEO Colin Milner said in a press release. “The providers detailed what they look for when selecting a technology, and the companies shared insights from their points of view. Everyone walked away with a better understanding of needs and opportunities.”

Well tech, according to ICAA, includes resident-facing technologies that enable communication, engagement and self-care; technologies that enable staff members to communicate and engage with residents; and technology that helps organizations deliver services and lifestyle opportunities.

The report outlines eight principles that participants said should guide every community’s technology vision, including:

1. Technology strategies should serve the organization as a whole.
2. Involve people who will use the technology in decision-making.
3. Examine the utility and usability of technology for each user.
4. Technology must include troubleshooting, training and long-term support.
5. Long-term partnerships between providers and technology companies are necessary to maximize value.
6. Data should be analyzed to find meaningful patterns and trends.
7. Training on data collection and interpretation for staff members and leaders is a must.
8. Cross-functional teams must analyze data to track wellness outcomes.

Well tech can generate data to prove the value of wellness, personalize services for residents and increase self-care, all while enhancing communication among staff members, according to the report.

The document outlines a planning process that communities can use when considering wellness technology, including discussion question examples and a toolkit of checklists for developing a vision, performing an audit and needs assessment, implementing technologies and evaluating outcomes.

“Technology has tremendous potential to help aging services providers deliver the wellness opportunities that make life worth living,” Milner said. “Grounded by an alignment of mission and values, organizations that buy and companies that sell can develop products and services that benefit the users they are intended for and the businesses themselves.”

During our final session, we tried to help them pare back their goals, but they fell into the problem many companies are facing. They were struggling to prioritize and, against our advice, they felt that they needed to begin to address each item all at once. 

Senior living business leaders and companies are facing a very similar challenge in 2024, and should they fail to focus and prioritize addressing the greatest issues they face, they will soon find themselves asking how they didn’t make any headway in 2024 and what to do about it in 2025.

This can prove challenging, as these companies aim to meet immediate financial targets and operational goals while they also need to lay the groundwork for sustainable growth, innovation and quality improvement in the long term. To cut through the noise, leaders must strategically focus and prioritize the right challenge by determining its urgency over its relative standing in the hype cycle.

So, let me help with that. Here are the four challenges and their implications that leaders and companies could face that must be addressed if they are to not only survive 2024 but thrive.

1. Today’s trendiest AI isn’t everyone’s best tool

Senior living businesses have arrived at a crossroads in 2024. Integrating artificial intelligence into general business practices has become an imperative and an untenable obstacle course.

Many companies are moving forward with the misguided hope that the benefits will outweigh the upfront costs, and that can be true. AI can personalize care, customize resident plans, provide predictive analytics and tell you what your budget could be next year.

Companies, however, will need to make smart choices, as not all AI models are built and, more importantly, trained, equally. Choosing the wrong model means a potential for a closed-loop input system where the model does not consider outside needs of potential future customers other than what it was trained on.

To make the most of AI, businesses should prioritize models that have transparency and ones that can help them fix their fragmented data. Siloed records, notes, charts and schedules in multiple platforms that lack interoperability means there will be limited value in the analytics from a model only able to pull from one source of data. The integration challenges are real, but the potential is transformative.

2. The demographic cliff

It’s not news to you that senior living businesses are facing the stark reality of the increasing number of potential residents and a lack of talent to care for them. As baby boomers continue to age and look to move into active-adult or various other tiered classes of caregiving, not only are the communities lacking or nonexistent, but so are the caregivers. Flexible working options and higher pay elsewhere are fueling resignations.

To address those challenges, businesses need to consider new development routes for staff and properties. Considerations for creativity in how administrative roles are staffed and developed through training and upskilling local community members is one way to start.

Long term, the labor shortage may mean rethinking on-demand workers over full-time hires. Also, there is the potential for modular construction, and investors looking to be recession-resilient could mean new forms of capital that could allow for the right-sizing of the units and technologic improvements needed.

3. Transparency versus personalization versus privacy

Senior living companies have leaned heavily on personalization to drive engagement. Data collection can provide unique offerings, especially with the advent of wearables, which can help customize meal plans, activities, amenities and medicine, but consumers and clients have begun to demand more privacy and protection of their data.

Businesses must become more transparent about where they collect data, where outside data are being used and what is done with them. If done successfully, the transparency can bolster engagement and increase communication between the residents and the communities, another potential data perk.

Equally important will be open communication on issues such as sustainability, social responsibility and employee well-being. Today’s residents and families expect more transparency. Companies that honestly address their practices and shortcomings will build trust. 

4. Inflexibility in your future direction

Operators facing these pressures often suffer from a lack of agility and flexibility in their planning. Anticipating future challenges in healthcare and demographics is crucial yet challenging, especially with limited resources, as those challenges constantly move.

Even with prioritized challenges to address, however, leaders must be open to being nimble enough to adapt their hardened three- to five-year plans while also realizing that type of planning needs to shift to become 10- to 15-year planning. This change will allow them to be ready for shifts in behaviors, to grow as digital health evolves, residents’ preferences morph and staffing dynamics shift.

Allowing for re-perception of the challenges and trends that are faced throughout the year will allow companies to be proactive instead of responsive. Most companies lack this flexibility, which ultimately means they stay the course when they need to pivot and, in doing so, become obsolete to the whims of their clients and residents.

In 2024, these challenges and trends are not just obstacles but also catalysts for innovation and improvement. For business leaders, particularly in the senior living industry, addressing these challenges head-on is not just about survival but also about thriving in an ever-changing landscape. By doing so, you can ensure sustained growth, improved service quality and enhanced operational efficiency, ultimately leading to long-term success and a positive impact on your communities.

Mark Bryan is the senior foresight manager at the Future Today Institute, an advisory firm specializing in strategic foresight aimed at driving corporate strategies that lead to long-term success and resilience. The institute partners with leaders of Fortune 500 companies, world governments and other major organizations to help them pivot, adapt and thrive in the face of disruptive change.

The opinions expressed in each McKnight’s Senior Living guest column are those of the author and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Senior Living.

Have a column idea? See our submission guidelines here.

The effort queried 2,000 US adults in October. That the survey was sponsored by The Vitamin Shoppe and dietary supplement brand Ancient Nutrition probably doesn’t surprise you, given that so many of our annual promises to ourselves revolve around health and wellness.

In fact, the top categories for goals, according to a Talker report on the survey, include relationships and friendships (51%), physical health (49%), socializing (44%) and mental health (39%).

Making resolutions is popular, survey results show. Three-fourths (75%) of respondents said they set at least one resolution each new year, and another 12% said they set resolutions, but not necessarily every year.

“The New Year can be an ideal time to set resolutions and goals, because it’s a chance for a fresh start and a clean slate,” said Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNS, co-founder of Ancient Nutrition and a member of The Vitamin Shoppe’s Wellness Council. “Lots of people are setting goals at this time, so you can feel supported and part of something bigger than just yourself.”

Forty percent of poll-takers said that the way to keep a resolution is to “start small,” even though 42% of respondents said they preferred to make long-term goals; 27% said they preferred to make short-term goals.

Respondents said that goals, on average, should be attained within five months, but if not successful, 54% of respondents said they would just start over. Most of the adults taking the survey said they viewed resolutions as a motivator (63%), a tradition (50%) or a way to improve their health (44%).

Axe said that it’s important for people to tailor their resolutions to their own health and lifestyle, because everyone is different.

“Resolutions and goals, whether long-term or short-term, can be powerful motivators for each of us to work towards improving our health and sense of well-being,” Axe said. He recommended that resolutions be specific, measurable and achievable. “Wellness is a lifelong journey, and resolutions and goals can be helpful reminders and incentives along the way,” he added.

Wishing you much happiness and success on your journey.

Lois A. Bowers is the editor of McKnight’s Senior Living. Read her other columns here.

Lifelong learning has seamlessly integrated into both my personal and professional life, serving as the driving force behind my belief that senior living communities should offer and ensure access to a wealth of opportunities for expanding the minds of their residents.

The quest for knowledge is a never-ending journey — that’s a belief that lies at the core of my mission. Since joining The Kensington at Walnut Creek, my primary goal has been to ensure that age never becomes a barrier to enriching one’s mind.

Lifelong learning is about so much more than keeping your mind intellectually sharp; it plays a vital role in maintaining a high quality of life. It’s the key to nurturing both a healthy mind and a healthy body, and it can significantly contribute to warding off cognitive conditions, such as dementia, while promoting social connection.

In senior living communities, recognizing the significance of offering a diverse array of social activities tailored to residents’ varying needs is paramount. Providing a multitude of opportunities that span across emotional, occupational, physical, social, intellectual, creative, nutritional and spiritual dimensions of wellness can foster an environment where growth and self-improvement remain continuous pursuits.

Encouraging residents to participate in activities aimed at cognitive enrichment is essential. Those activities may include hosting discussion groups, trivia nights, history lessons or an outing to the latest art exhibit. Empowering residents to influence their learning experiences by enabling them to suggest topics they are passionate about also can prove beneficial. Doing so offers them a meaningful way to keep their minds engaged and curious.

In the modern digital age, maintaining connectivity also is so important. Providing residents with access to technologic resources and the support to use them can help them enrich their online presence, facilitating increased engagement and connection in an increasingly digital world.

A dedication to lifelong learning is in harmony with a broader philosophy that prioritizes the well-being of residents. This philosophy offers a personalized approach to wellness, tailored to meet the unique needs and priorities of each resident. It includes offering programs that encompass various aspects of well-being, including daily fitness classes, cardio programs, nutritional consultations and opportunities for residents to give back to the community through philanthropic activities. Those carefully crafted programs should go beyond being mere offerings; they should be designed to be evolving experiences that adapt to the changing needs and desires of residents, ensuring that their well-being remains a central focus.

Lifelong learning begins with those who genuinely care about providing people of all ages with ongoing opportunities for growth. By fostering a lifelong pursuit of self-enrichment, we empower individuals to embark on journeys of self-discovery and intellectual expansion, regardless of their age. This commitment serves as a transformative force that shapes lives and nurtures an ever-curious and engaged community.

Joseph Villanueva is executive director at The Kensington at Walnut Creek, a Kisco Senior living community in Walnut Creek, CA.

The opinions expressed in each McKnight’s Senior Living guest column are those of the author and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Senior Living.

Have a column idea? See our submission guidelines here.

Understanding the effects loneliness can have, Arrow Senior Living first launched its Holiday Cheer initiative in 2020, when COVID-19 forced many senior communities across the country into lockdown. Back then, social media was one of the best ways residents could connect with family and friends, so Arrow initiated a 38-day photo challenge starting on Dec. 1. Today, Holiday Cheer continues to evolve, with daily events scheduled across every Arrow community, beginning Thanksgiving Day and running through Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 7.

This year’s 46 Days of Holiday Cheer enlivens the spirit while encouraging the pursuit of new knowledge. Residents have been invited to observe traditional religious holidays, including Christmas and Hanukkah, attending both tree-lighting ceremonies and the lighting of the menorah. The opportunity to find moments of joy sweeps over each community, bringing both nostalgia for the past and hope for the future.

Arrow has scheduled plenty of fun, creative events to engage in all season long. From cookie-baking and wreath-making to festive door decorating contests and caroling, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Even the Grumps, Grinches and Bah Humbugs who seem just a little annoyed by all the holiday cheer soon find themselves immersed in community merrymaking too. Those less enthused about the festivities can celebrate Festivus on Dec. 23.

Holiday Cheer easily is a favorite among residents and employees, as the team recognizes that the holiday season is also the perfect time to explore lifelong learning and appreciation for different cultures and traditions. In addition to all the fun events and traditions residents experience during this year’s 46 Days of Holiday Cheer, they also have an opportunity to gather at other cultural and educational events to learn about the land they occupy; to break bread with their neighbors while celebrating Las Posadas; and to discover the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Those shared learning experiences are designed to help Arrow Senior Living continue to cultivate more inclusive communities and reinforce our core values — listening to understand and believing kindness can drive change in the world.

It’s not too late for senior living providers to think about their own holiday initiatives for this year and future years. Start by building on the existing calendar to include holiday traditions from around the world. Celebrations don’t have to be overwhelming or hosted on a large scale; smaller gatherings easily can include opportunities for residents to learn and share their own experiences. Partner with local historians or other experts to host fun, intergenerational celebrations and activities, and if they are open to it, ask residents to contribute by sharing the unique ways they celebrate their cultural traditions.

The absence of human connection can have devastating effects on mental health and well-being, and the Department of Health and Human Services has labeled loneliness as an epidemic. Senior living providers have an opportunity to offer solutions, cultivating communities where residents are not just surrounded by their peers — they are building meaningful relationships with one another, too.

This season, as Arrow celebrates its fourth annual Holiday Cheer initiative, our team is more dedicated than ever to ensuring residents have an amazing experience and something exciting to look forward to through the new year. No one should feel the sting of loneliness or social isolation, especially when surrounded by community. Arrow’s events are focused on bringing people together in an environment that encourages purpose and intentional connection.

So, whether residents are sipping gourmet hot cocoa by the fire, recording their own rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” at local recording studios, building the most epic gingerbread houses or learning about Icelandic folklore and the mischievous Yule lads, our team expects this year’s 46 Days of Holiday Cheer to have been our most joyous celebration yet.

Amanda Tweten is chief operating officer at Arrow Senior Living.

Have a column idea? See our submission guidelines here.

The opinions expressed in each McKnight’s Senior Living guest column are those of the author and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Senior Living.

A recent study from Mercy Health shows that having too much time on our hands can negatively affect us. Engaging in challenging and novel activities can significantly improve memory function in older adults.

It is more important than ever for senior living communities to embrace vibrant living and support their residents with interesting programming. By making it easy for them to take up new hobbies, we support residents’ experience and growth, which ultimately preserve and enhance their cognitive functions.

Supporting neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and form new neural connections throughout life, has immense potential to keep our minds sharp as we age. When older adults engage in hobbies, there is a positive response from the brain as it forms and strengthens new neural connections.

Research has shown that regularly partaking in mentally challenging activities, such as learning to play an instrument, joining an art class, exploring different cultures or picking up a new language, can lead to improved cognitive function, particularly memory recall. 

Preventing isolation

One of the many takeaways of the pandemic was the danger of isolation for the aging population. We learned that loneliness and isolation increase the risk for individuals to develop mental health challenges, as well as heart failure, cognitive decline and dementia/Alzheimer’s disease, according to the surgeon general and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, respectively. When older adults participate in new hobbies, they spend more time with others and increase their chances for forming lasting friendships.

Inquire about their interests

When people of all ages try something new, it stimulates their attention and interest. It is crucial for senior living communities to ask residents what they are interested in, because one person’s idea of a fun activity could inspire others to join in.

For example, residents at Brightview Senior Living’s Shelton, CT, community recently went ziplining for the first time. One resident brought up the idea, and four others joined in on the adventure. Together, they had an exhilarating experience and made memories together — all because they wanted to try something they hadn’t tried before. 

Scientifically speaking, novel experiences such as ziplining trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in memory consolidation. Ziplining is a unique example of this. Some others include learning chess and joining a tournament, taking pottery classes or trying new recipes.

A holistic approach

Vibrancy has become a buzzword in senior living, and for good reason. But beyond vibrancy, a holistic approach to overall wellness is a must.

SPICE in Motion, a proprietary program woven into every aspect of Brightview’s culture, is how we ensure that residents’ needs are met. SPICE stands for Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural and Emotional health. Examples of those categories:

• Spiritual: Religion, meditation, positive affirmations, poetry and connecting with nature.
• Physical: Line dancing, drumming, fitness classes and walking clubs.
• Intellectual: Attending lectures, book clubs, current events and panel discussions that promote lifelong learning.
• Cultural: Learning about other cultures, trying new foods and learning a new language.
• Emotional: Grief support groups and comedy shows. 

Conclusion

It is the role of senior living communities to ensure that residents are constantly trying new things and to offer a holistic approach to health and wellness. At Brightview, the team of almost 50 vibrant living directors truly create custom, exciting experiences for their residents to support their quality of life and mental well-being. 

Dori Ray is corporate director of vibrant living at Brightview Senior Living 

The opinions expressed in each McKnight’s Senior Living guest column are those of the author and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Senior Living.

Have a column idea? See our submission guidelines here.

The vital role of sleep

Sleep is an essential cornerstone of overall health and daily functionality. As we age, our sleep patterns naturally shift, potentially leading to fragmented sleep and earlier waking times. Those changes are more than mere inconveniences; they can profoundly affect cognitive function, physical health and overall quality of life. Disrupted sleep can contribute to memory problems, increased fall risk and a decline in everyday activities. It can even affect mood and well-being. Consequently, unraveling the factors influencing sleep quality in older adults is pivotal for a more fulfilling aging experience.

Temperature’s effect

Interestingly, sleep tends to be more restorative and effortless in cooler environments, driven by our biological tendencies. As body temperature naturally drops at night, it aids in initiating and maintaining sleep. Warmer sleep environments, however, can disrupt this natural cooling process, disturbing sleep patterns.

My recent research delved into the relationship between biological sleep rhythms and ambient temperatures, with a specific focus on how nighttime temperatures affect sleep quality in older adults.

Monitoring sleep quality and ambient temperatures over 18 months among 50 older adults — many residing in a Hebrew SeniorLife community — revealed a critical insight. Optimal sleep quality was experienced when room temperatures ranged between 68 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit. Sleep quality diminished as temperatures exceeded 75 degrees. Intriguingly, each individual displayed a unique optimal sleep temperature, suggesting personal variations that might evolve over time.

Climate change, urban heat disruptors

Climate change, a term deeply embedded in our modern vernacular, is causing shifts in global weather patterns and temperatures. A lesser-known consequence is the increase in nighttime temperatures, which also can be exacerbated by the fact that urban areas often are warmer at night due to infrastructure replacing green spaces.

Intersecting challenges

The intersection of climate change and sleep quality for older adults is a critical concern. Warmer nights, a result of climate change, can disrupt sleep patterns, posing even greater challenges for aging individuals whose sleep patterns already are susceptible. The potential for sleep disturbances and associated health issues looms larger against the backdrop of climate change.

Strategies for improved sleep

Although the situation presents challenges, solutions are within reach. Adaptive strategies can help mitigate the effects of warmer nights on sleep quality for yourself and for the residents in your care:

• Personalized sleep temperature: Discover your optimal sleep temperature and adjust your environment accordingly, using fans or air conditioning to maintain comfort.
• Hydration: Ensure consistent hydration throughout the day, particularly during warmer periods.
• Breathable sleep attire: Opt for light sleep clothing and bed covers to regulate body temperature.
• Bedtime rituals: Engage in calming activities before sleep to facilitate rest.
• Diet consideration: Avoid heavy meals, high-sugar foods and stimulants near bedtime.

Community support, care provider roles

Communities and care providers have essential roles in managing the effects of rising temperatures on sleep quality. Integrating temperature management into care plans and fostering adaptive strategies for independent older adults are crucial steps. With the advent of smart home technology, monitoring and intervention are more accessible.

As we contemplate the implications of climate change, we must reevaluate our approach to urban design and infrastructure. Strategies such as natural shading, openable windows and energy-efficient architecture should take precedence.

The intricate interplay between sleep, ambient temperature and older adults’ well-being demands our focused attention. Recognizing this challenge is the first step. Through awareness, adaptable strategies, community support and investments in climate-resilient environments, we can navigate this complex issue and uphold the quality of life for older adults. In the face of climate change, those actions are not just prudent measures; they are essential adaptations for our collective health and well-being.

Amir Baniassadi, PhD, is a research fellow at Harvard Medical School and a T32 post-doctoral fellow at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife, working on environmental health, and in particular, the health and well-being of older adults within the built environment.

The opinions expressed in each McKnight’s Senior Living guest column are those of the author and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Senior Living.

Have a column idea? See our submission guidelines here.

Beyond the familiar adage, “You are what you eat,” this article will explore the profound significance of proper nutrition in senior living and care and the interconnectedness between aging and nutritional needs. But it doesn’t stop there. Confronting the silent but alarming epidemic of malnutrition allows us to identify and necessary implement strategies that detect and combat this insidious threat. Nutrition is a powerful ally in safeguarding cognitive health, preserving independence and functional ability, and nurturing emotional well-being. 

It isn’t often we stop to view senior care through the lens of culinary innovation, but creativity and passion in the kitchen can elevate the standard of long-term care to new heights.

Aging and nutritional needs

As the senior population continues to grow, understanding their changing nutritional needs is critical to providing exceptional care. Aging brings about a myriad of physiological changes that affect how our bodies absorb, use and process nutrients. Such changes can lead to deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals, heightening the vulnerability of our elderly population to various health issues. From a decline in appetite and taste changes to alterations in metabolism, those age-related factors create unique challenges in meeting the nutritional requirements of our elderly residents.

Senior living and care executives must recognize the intricate interplay between aging and nutrition so we can gain the knowledge and insight necessary to tailor individualized dietary plans for residents. One size does not fit all in nutrition; meal options must address specific nutritional deficiencies, support immune function and enhance overall well-being.

Beyond physical health, nutrition also plays a crucial role in maintaining mental acuity and emotional stability as we age. Studies have linked certain nutrients to cognitive health, such as antioxidants that help protect brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate those brain-boosting nutrients into the diets of our elderly residents, to promote cognitive function and potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline. And eating well not only promotes a positive outlook but also fosters a sense of dignity, independence and self-worth as well.

Addressing malnutrition: A silent epidemic

Despite its pervasive impact, malnutrition remains an insidious and often overlooked epidemic within the senior living and care industry. Malnutrition affects a significant number of elderly individuals, regardless of care setting, and its consequences can be devastating. From compromised immune systems to increased susceptibility to infections and delayed wound healing, malnutrition poses a severe threat to the health and well-being of our elderly residents.

Early detection and intervention are paramount in confronting this silent enemy head on. Implementing regular and comprehensive nutrition assessments conducted by qualified professionals can help identify older adults at risk of malnutrition, even before visible symptoms manifest. We must adopt a multidisciplinary approach involving not only nutrition experts but also caregivers, nurses and other healthcare professionals as well. Fostering a culture of collaboration and communication allows senior living communities and skilled nursing facilities to customize nutrition plans that align with the unique needs and preferences of each resident. 

It’s also important to engage in open dialogue with residents about their dietary choices. Incorporating their input into the meal-planning process can enhance their sense of autonomy and improve overall compliance with recommended dietary changes. This effort also helps make meals more enjoyable and appealing.

Presentation, variety and flavor are essential factors that influence an older adult’s appetite. Incorporating diverse cuisines and textures into meal plans entices residents to savor their food, fostering a positive dining experience that transcends the mere act of sustenance.

Maintaining cognitive health

Cognitive health is a key concern for older adults and their families, and nutrition plays an integral role in maintaining brain function.

Foods that are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and essential vitamins, such as vitamins E, C and B-complex, can support cognitive function in residents and potentially reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 

We should help residents embrace a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats, which can provide a holistic approach to nurturing brain health. A Mediterranean-style diet, in particular, has garnered significant attention for its positive effects on cognitive function, as it combines those brain-boosting nutrients with ample plant-based foods and healthy fats such as those found in olive oil and nuts.

The timing and frequency of meals also can influence cognitive health. Establishing regular eating patterns and avoiding long periods of fasting are important for enhanced brain function.

Dehydration also can impair cognitive performance and exacerbate existing cognitive decline, so proper hydration becomes critical as well.

Promoting independence, functional ability

A well-balanced and nutrient-dense diet provides the necessary energy to fuel everyday activities and supports muscle strength and bone health, essential components for maintaining physical functionality.

Protein, for instance, takes center stage in preserving muscle mass and function. Incorporating protein-rich foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs and legumes into our residents’ diets can contribute to maintaining their physical strength and independence. Ensuring an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D also fosters bone health, reducing the risk of fractures and falls.

It also is essential to consider individual preferences and cultural backgrounds to tailor meal plans that resonate with our residents’ tastes, ensuring that they look forward to each dining experience.

Cultivating emotional well-being

The gut-brain connection, often referred to as the “second brain,” links the digestive system and the central nervous system, affecting mood, emotions and mental health. A diet rich in nutrients can improve emotional well-being and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.

Mealtime also can be transformed into a social gathering, a time of camaraderie and an opportunity for emotional connection. Additionally, providers can consider incorporating more comfort foods into meal plans, which also can go a long way in alleviating stress and enhancing emotional health.

When possible, consider adding cooking classes or baking sessions to your community’s social activities calendar, as they provide an avenue for self-expression and creativity while also serving as an opportunity for residents to share their culinary expertise with others.

The long-term care sector must champion nutrition as a vital component of the industry’s mission of providing holistic care to the aging population.

Melissa Powell is the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Kennett Square, PA-based Genesis HealthCare, a holding company with subsidiaries that, on a combined basis, comprise one of the nation’s largest long-term care providers, with almost 250 senior living communities and skilled nursing facilities across 22 states. She previously was president and chief operating officer of The Allure Group, a New York City-based long-term care operator. She has 20 years of experience coordinating, assessing and improving senior care using a market-focused model in New Jersey and New York. In 2021, she was honored as a McKnight’s Women of Distinction Hall of Honor inductee.

The opinions expressed in each McKnight’s Senior Living guest column are those of the author and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Senior Living.

Have a column idea? See our submission guidelines here.

Several health tech organizations are collaborating on a new funding program designed to rapidly develop technology for older adults and related care organizations. 

The first annual envisAGE Call for Innovations is looking to assist near-ready projects with funding, project coaching, and other networking support, program partners announced recently. 

EnvisAGE’s “ecosystem” includes innovation hubs for tech such as artificial intelligence and remote sensors, centers that work to integrate tech into senior living and care spaces, and community “labs” that are willing to test tech on a pilot basis.

The categories in which project proposals can choose from:

• Autonomy and Independence
• Cognitive Health and Dementia
• Healthy Lifestyles and Wellness
• Staying Connected
• Supportive Homes and Communities

The program is being started by two Canadian organizations: AGE-WELL, a support network for senior tech, and MEDTEQ+, a Montreal-based investment group for healthtech. 

EnvisAGE is looking, in particular, for small and medium-sized tech startups to support. 

In addition to the envisAGE program, several technology solutions for long-term care were showcased at AgeTech Innovation Week in Toronto last month. 

Canada is one of many countries facing the prospect of a rapidly graying population. Although East Asia and Western Europe have the largest percentage of older adults, the United States and Canada are composed of 17% and 18% seniors, respectively, data show.

In response to the rise in older adults, governments and nongovernment organizations now are looking to demonstrate commitment to high-end senior care on a national level, often in the form of those kinds of tech showcases. 

A similar convention, with new “radical” tech such as virtual reality trainers, was held in Finland over the summer, the McKnight’s Tech Daily reported.

Companies looking to submit proposals to envisAGE have until Nov. 23; further guidelines can be found here.