How Seniors Can Satisfy a Sweet Tooth


Major changes happen to our taste buds as we age, and we may find ourselves unable to taste flavors as intensely as we once could. By the time we surpass 55 years of age, our taste buds begin to reduce. The average young adult has about 15,000 taste buds, whereas seniors, on average, lose over 50% of their taste buds. This frustrating olfactory change may be why our food cravings fluctuate as we get older and may answer why seniors gravitate towards more sugary foods. Try these foods to satiate your sweet tooth while also providing your body with essentially nutrients and minerals.

Sugar is much easier for our taste buds to detect than savory or salty foods. Not to mention, sugar causes our brains to release dopamine which generates pleasure throughout our bodies. However, large amounts of sugar can greatly impact a senior’s health. MorningStar Senior Living in Des Moines, Iowa, believes that through a proper diet and healthy choices, food is a healing medicine unlike any other. Our executive chefs prioritize the use of ingredients known to support overall health by their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Dark chocolate seems to always be the solution to any pesky sweet tooth. Did you know, dark chocolate with a high cocoa mass (over 70% cocoa), improves concentration and stimulates the production of endorphins for an uplifting mood lift? This makes dark chocolate a heart-healthy, antioxidant treat. Just make sure you’re reaching for dark chocolate that refrains from large amounts of added sugars.

A fruit smoothie is a great option for seniors. Smoothies are easy to consume and often easy to digest. We suggest creating a smoothie full of dark berries like blue, black, and acai. These “brain berries” contain anti-inflammatory properties and mega antioxidants which inhibit the damaging movement of free radicals in our body and add more sweetness than citrus.

Whatever your food preferences, MorningStar’s executive chefs are sure to prepare you a tempting dish that stimulates the senses. Dining is just one aspect of MorningStar’s signature wellness program, which thoughtfully creates daily opportunities for social, intellectual, spiritual, and physical health, all of which contribute to brain and whole-body vitality.

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s retirement homes and senior living in West Des Moines, Iowa. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other senior living facilities in Iowa.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Jordan Creek, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Des Moines, Iowa.

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