20220424-FAMILYCAREGIVER-T-0 - Flipbook - Page 16
CONGREGATE MEALS
MORE THAN A MEAL
CONGREGATE MEAL PROGRAM AT CARROLL COUNTY
SENIOR & COMMUNITY CENTERS
Proper nutrition is one of the best predictors
for long-term health and wellness and can be
a key factor in maintaining the quality of life
for older adults. Congregate meal programs
provided at our senior and community centers
offer several benefits. As the name suggests, a
congregate meal program provides nutritious
meals to people in a group setting.
Sense of Community
People who regularly participate in congregate
meals feel a sense of community and connection
with their peers. Research shows that people at
any age are much more fulfilled when they are
part of a group.
Decrease of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Socializing as little as 30 minutes per day has
been shown to increase brain health and
cognitive ability that decreases the likelihood
of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and
dementia. It’s the old adage of use it or lose it.
Purpose
Older Adults with a sense of purpose are happier,
more fulfilled and healthier. Congregate
meals give older adults a daily activity to look
forward to. The social interaction provides an
environment where peer to peer interaction
takes place that leads to older adults becoming
emotionally vested in the group. Individuals are
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able to contribute to other people’s lives on an
individual and group basis leading to a greater
sense of purpose.
Positive Relationships Lead to Happiness
Healthy relationships formed during congregate
mealtimes have been proven to decrease
stress and loneliness. Negative emotions such
as stress have been linked to high instances of
sickness and disease because they cause the
body to release cortisol that eventually breaks
down the immune system. Stress has been
directly linked to high blood pressure, heart
disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
Healthy Nutrition
Many older adults suffer from malnutrition
because of unhealthy, unbalanced meals.
Congregate meal plans are always hot and
nutritious and meet nutritional standards. Older
adults who come for the great conversation
and activities will also get a well-balanced and
great tasting meal.
Decrease in Stress
Congregate
meal
programs
provide
participants with a sense of structure that leads
to a reduction in stress. Older adults tend to
thrive on routine and structure. The best life for
an elderly person is one that is predictable and
stable. Older adults who live in unpredictable
2022 – 2023 Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities Resource Guide