Enjoying White Veggies at Bonaventure Senior Living

This time of year, gardens and roadside stands are awash in a rainbow of colors, which chefs at Bonaventure Senior Living fully appreciate. But preparing a healthy meal shouldn’t be just a seasonal occasion, which is the kitchen motto at Bonaventure Senior Living. Healthy meals don’t always have to consist of a plate full of leafy green and orange vegetables. At Bonaventure Senior Living, residents make space for white vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, white asparagus and mushrooms. The talented chefs at Bonaventure Senior Living know that senior health can be improved by simply eating the right foods. White vegetables often contain important nutrients that many seniors don’t get enough of in their diet. Here are some white vegetables that should be on everyone’s plate and are enjoyed at Bonaventure Senior Living.

White Potatoes

White potatoes have somewhat of a bad reputation, but seniors at Bonaventure Senior Living love them. A plain baked potato with skin contains almost half the daily recommended amount of vitamins C, B1 and B6, as well as 5 grams of fiber. According to Bonaventure Senior Living chefs, potatoes are naturally fat-free, unless butter or sour cream is added. The potato is a powerhouse of minerals including zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron, and iodine. Potatoes are a complex carb and a good energy source, which benefits the active residents at Bonaventure Senior Living.

Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a tasty white veggie resembling broccoli and very popular with diners at Bonaventure Senior Living. This vegetable contains vitamin C and carotenoids such as beta-carotene and offers many health benefits. Carotenoids reduce the risk for heart disease and cancer and promote youthful skin. Cauliflower contains lots of fiber, which helps clean the digestive system. Just one cup of steamed cauliflower, which is part of a popular side dish at Bonaventure Senior Living, provides more than 3 grams of fiber.

Mushrooms
White mushrooms have a special carbohydrate that powers up the metabolic rate and keeps blood sugar levels normal. With a strong metabolism, Bonaventure Senior Living residents are more likely to maintain a healthier weight. Mushrooms also contain plenty of required vitamin D, typically only available through sun exposure.  While a healthy dose of sunshine is always nice, instead of getting sunburned, many seniors at Bonaventure Senior Living choose to top their salad with mushrooms to enjoy the benefits.

White cabbage
According to chefs at Bonaventure Senior Living, white cabbage is beneficial in a variety of ways. Because of its high water content, cabbage is great for weight loss, which Bonaventure Senior Living residents can incorporate into their overall fitness routine. Cabbage is also packed with fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system. White cabbage also helps lower cholesterol to create a healthy heart so that diners at Bonaventure Senior Living can enjoy healthier lives.

In addition to delicious and healthy dining, residents at Bonaventure Senior Living enjoy planned activities, day trips and excursions. Bonaventure Senior Living also offers a variety of services such as transportation, housekeeping, medication monitoring, and much more. Independent, assisted living, and memory care services at Bonaventure Senior Living promise quality and affordability. In 37 communities, residents feel at home at Bonaventure Senior Living where exceptional care is provided. For more information about Bonaventure Senior Living, visit RetirementPerfected.com.

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO, on Staying Social in the Golden Years

PamGrayBonaventure_SocialPam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO, stresses the need for seniors to maintain and develop friendships throughout their golden years. By keeping a steady routine of social engagement, Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO, says that seniors are more likely to stay in top physical and mental shape.

A Gathering of Experts: How do friends help seniors maintain mental acuity?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: A recent study showed that maintaining an active social life can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by more than 70 percent, which is a significant figure.

A Gathering of Experts: Is a lack of friends really more harmful than other bad habits?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Feelings of loneliness or isolation are even more harmful to your health than not exercising or eating right.

A Gathering of Experts: What overall impact do friendships make?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Friends have a significant impact on eating habits and exercise routines. Taking part in activities with other people is encouraging for those who might need that extra push.

A Gathering of Experts: What subject should seniors discuss?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Just the occasional round of friendly banter has a big influence on feelings of self-esteem. When gossiping in a positive manner about family and close friends, seniors come away with a sense of inclusion.

A Gathering of Experts: Isn’t gossip considered hurtful?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: It’s more about chatting and sharing stories. Just keep the subject matter lighthearted and fun, and stay away from more serious topics or personal attacks.

A Gathering of Experts: Anything else?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Discussing special hobbies or interests also makes for interesting and fun conversation.

A Gathering of Experts: How has making friends been shown to improve mental strength?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: When tested on a series of specific mental tasks, seniors scored higher if they said friends are an important factor in their lives.

A Gathering of Experts: Should particular types of people be avoided?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Surrounding oneself with positive people is a key aspect of senior living. It is best to avoid individuals who are quick to criticize or intimidate.

A Gathering of Experts: How do friendships improve a senior’s quality of life?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: An active social life often slows down the aging process and offers seniors a sense of control.

A Gathering of Experts: How do men differ from women in this area?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: The difference in genders is negligible. Although more reticent than their female counterparts, men of a certain age who discuss medical issues or personal problems with their male friends feel less alone or depressed.

A Gathering of Experts: Where can seniors meet new people?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Popular activities include dancing classes, swimming lessons and bingo halls. A local library or newspaper will reveal a wealth of activity options.

A Gathering of Experts: What about those who prefer exercising alone?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Numerous art galleries, entertainment venues and museums offer senior programs tailored to their clientele.

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO, first joined the company in 2004 and entered her role as COO in 2007.

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO, Offers Tips for Staying Healthy in the Golden Years

Pam Gray Bonaventure

Pam Gray Bonaventure

Pam Gray joined Bonaventure in 2004 and quickly rose to become its chief operating officer. Building on a successful career in senior living and care, Pam Gray coordinates Bonaventure programs that allow seniors to age with vitality. In the following interview, Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO, offers tips for aging with wellness in mind.

Gathering of Experts: Thanks for sharing your expertise! First, tell readers about Bonaventure.

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: Bonaventure is a senior living and care company, focused on providing services that help seniors live life on their terms.

Gathering of Experts: Where are your communities located?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: Bonaventure operates 37 communities in six states in the Western U.S.

Gathering of Experts: Tell readers more about helping seniors live how they want to.

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: This philosophy is what drives our business throughout the communities.  It’s all about listening to what the residents want, and ensuring we’re providing the services and care they deserve and expect.

Gathering of Experts: How is wellness incorporated?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: Getting older doesn’t automatically mean immobility and frailty. Residents have daily opportunities to be active and improve their wellness through a variety of scheduled activities designed with their needs in mind.

Gathering of Experts: What options are offered onsite?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: Most communities offer exercise facilities and all offer healthy food choices. A number of recreational programs are also offered throughout the week, such as yoga classes and dance night.

Gathering of Experts: What wellness considerations should seniors focus on?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: First, it’s important for seniors to understand that educating oneself about the physical changes that come with aging can go a long way.

Gathering of Experts: What are some of these changes?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: It is a fact that muscles lose mass and bones lose density with age. It’s something we just can’t avoid.

Gathering of Experts: Why is this problematic?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: Loss of strength in the bones and muscles can lead to mobility issues and increased risk of injuries from falls.

Gathering of Experts: What can seniors do to address these changes?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: The good news is that regular exercise can help slow the process and help keep the body strong.  Many seniors who actively participate in daily physical activities say they feel better now that when they were younger!

Gathering of Experts: What types of exercise do you recommend?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: Seniors should do aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises weekly.

Gathering of Experts: How can seniors fit it all in?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: There should be daily exercise, but not all types of exercise need to be done each day.

Gathering of Experts: What would a week of exercise look like for a healthy senior?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: Walking a few times a week, daily stretching, and lifting light weights a couple of times would be a great goal to start with.  It’s important not to over-do it, so stay within your comfort zone.  And always check with a doctor before changing up your regular routines.

Gathering of Experts: Where can readers learn more?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: The AARP and Mayo Clinic are great resources.

Gathering of Experts: Thanks for your insight!

Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO: Always happy to help any senior continue to do the things they love whenever I can!

Pam Gray of Bonaventure has worked in the senior care industry for more than 20 years. Throughout her career, Pam Gray, Bonaventure COO, has dedicated herself to providing individualized, compassionate care. According to Pam Gray, Bonaventure provides seniors with the perfect community to age with vitality. Learn more at RetirementPerfected.com.