Eating together as a family may be a common tradition on holidays, but it's something you should do with your mom as often as possible. The benefits of a shared meal may surprise you. Here are five of the things your mom gains when the family gathers for a family meal.It Encourages and Strengthens a Family Bond
Everyone, including your mom, benefits a family meal. Multiple generations gather for great food and chatter. It helps the bonding process between grandchildren and grandparents, parents and children, and siblings, too. A family meal helps draw a family together, which makes it easier to handle important decisions in the years to come.
Family Meals Save Your Mom Money
Purchasing foods in bulk is cost-effective. If your mom wants to cook the meal, she actually saves money cooking for a family. Leftovers can go into her fridge for additional meals that she can microwave for a quick meal.
It Helps Your Mom Avoid Feelings of Loneliness
In 2010, AARP paid for a survey of 3,012 adults. The survey took a closer look at loneliness and isolation in the United States. In that survey, a quarter of seniors 70 or older admitted they felt lonely. In addition, those who admitted to feeling lonely were also more likely to classify their health as “poor.”
By joining your mom for a family meal, she gets to socialize. She enjoys getting updated on family news while she eats. It helps her avoid feeling lonely. If you pick her up and take her to another person's house, she also gets out of the house and avoids feelings of being isolated at home.
Your Mom's Diet Improves
Many seniors rely on packaged foods when eating alone. They eat in a rush and may even eat that food while sitting and watching TV. When she's enjoying a family meal, your mom eats better. She's more likely to get a variety of protein, grain, and vegetable sources. She's also more likely to take her time eating and eat a full meal.
You can't always be there when your mom is eating her meals. You have your own work demands, children's activities, and personal outings. When you cannot dine with your mom, hire a caregiver to dine with her.
Senior care providers not only cook your mom's meals, but the caregiver can sit down and enjoy the meal with her. Your mom no longer dines alone and enjoys the benefits of a shared meal. Call Brightstar now and learn the other services available to help your mom age at home.
Sources:
http://www.aarp.org/research/topics/life/info-2014/loneliness_2010.html
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Palm Beach County, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.