More seniors are thinking twice before picking up that glass of wine (and not just about whether to go with red or white).

Nonalcoholic drink sales have surged in recent years, with NA beer, wine, and spirit sales increasing by more than 35% from 2021 and 2022, according to a Nielson report.

So what’s behind the change? Are seniors becoming sober-curios – and is this something you should explore as well? 

What the Numbers Say

Being curious doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve sworn off alcohol entirely – it just means you’re looking for other ways to relax, unwind, and prioritize healthier habits.

Though the sober-curious movement is growing particularly fast among Gen Zers and millennials (61% of Gen Zers and 49% of millenlais plan to reduce their alcohol intake in 2024, an increase of more than 20% in each group), it’s also rising to the forefront for older adults.

That’s good news, especially when you consider that drinking rose to troubling levels during the pandemic. The number of alcohol-related deaths between 2020 and 2021 rose significantly, with people older than 65 accounting for 38% of that total. 

It’s not just about the negative health effects of alcohol for seniors, though that certainly plays a role. With alcohol increasingly linked to problems like increased cardiovascular risk and obesity, it’s clear that cutting back has benefits. 

But it goes much further than that, with many adults citing motivations to quit drinking that include enjoying more quality time with friends and family, improving their sleep quality, and even saving money. 

How to Explore Your “Sober Curiosity”

The path to exploring a life with reduced or no alcohol doesn’t require drastic changes overnight, but instead, some thoughtful consideration. Here are some tips.

1. Just Start Somewhere

Many people balk at the idea of becoming sober because they think it means an entire lifetime with never a drop to drink again. That doesn’t have to be the case. 

Sober curiosity simply means opening yourself up to the lifestyle – not mandating perfection. You don’t need to have all the answers or a rigid plan in place to start exploring what a life with less alcohol could look like. 

2. Build a Strong Community

Surrounding yourself with supportive individuals, whether friends who understand your reasons for exploring sobriety or groups dedicated to sober living, can provide encouragement and insight as you navigate this transition.

3. Set Some Goals

Understanding your “why” is crucial. Reflect on the reasons behind your curiosity about sobriety – be it health concerns, a desire for clearer mornings, or a quest for a deeper connection with your own self without the haze of alcohol.

Then, set some goals. Maybe you just want to enjoy drinks only on social occasions, or perhaps you want to limit yourself to just one drink per month. Whatever the case may be, try to set goals that are both meaningful and realistic. 

4. Write Down the Benefits

Keeping a journal of the positive changes you notice can serve as a powerful motivator. Whether it’s improved sleep, better mood regulation, or newfound hobbies that don’t revolve around drinking, tracking these benefits can reinforce your commitment.

5. Find Healthy Substitutes 

Exploring nonalcoholic alternatives can satisfy the ritual of having a drink without all the nasty aftereffects. The booming market for nonalcoholic beverages means there are more options than ever to fulfill this need.

Find the Right Support for Your Sober Journey

Whether it’s cutting out booze entirely or limiting yourself to just one or two drinks per week, reassessing your alcohol use can significantly enhance your quality of life.

If you’re curious about what sober living might have to offer you in your senior years, consider reaching out to The Cortland Wyoming. 

We offer special resources and guidance to those who are interested in exploring a sober lifestyle and will work with you in our assisted living communities to help you meet your goals – no matter what those goals might be. We’re in this together!

These are just some of the appetizing images that come to mind when we think about meal prepping. But what does it really mean?

Meal prepping is the process of planning and preparing meals in advance, typically for a week or more. It involves cooking and storing multiple servings of food that can be easily reheated and enjoyed throughout the week.

For seniors, this proactive approach can be incredibly valuable when it comes to saving time and making sure nutritious options are always available.

Let’s take a closer look at what exactly it entails – and how you can get started.

What Does it Mean to “Meal Prep”?

Meal prepping involves planning, preparing, and portioning meals ahead of time, making it easier to stick to a nutritious eating plan without the daily hassle of cooking from scratch. This practice can range from simply chopping vegetables for the week to cooking full meals in advance and storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. 

For seniors, meal prepping can be especially helpful if you need to manage dietary needs, maintain portion control, and reduce the temptation of unhealthy, convenience foods.

It doesn’t take long to prep your meals for the week. Here are a few key benefits:

• Improved Nutrition: Meal prepping allows you to have control over the ingredients used in your dishes, which can lead to healthier, more balanced meals. 
• Saves Time and Money: By preparing meals in bulk, you save time and reduce the need to cook every day. Additionally, buying ingredients in bulk can be more cost-effective, resulting in savings on groceries.
• Reduced Stress: Knowing that meals are already prepared can significantly reduce the daily stress of deciding what to cook.

Tips for Meal Prepping for Seniors

Here are some simple tips to help you start meal prepping:

1. Plan Balanced Meals

Start by planning a week’s worth of meals. Take into consideration any dietary requirements and preferences, and make sure each meal is well-balanced with carbohydrates, protein, and fats.

2. Choose Easy-to-Prepare Recipes

Opt for simple recipes that do not require elaborate preparation. Slow cookers and pressure cookers can be great tools to simplify the cooking process.

3. Use Proper Storage Containers

Use airtight containers that are easy to open and close, and that can be safely used in the microwave, freezer, and dishwasher.

4. Involve Caregivers

If you’re caring for a senior, involve them in the meal prepping process if possible. This can be a great way to spend quality time together and ensure their preferences are considered.

5. Prep in Stages

If spending a long time in the kitchen is tiring, break the meal prepping process into stages. For example, you might chop vegetables one day and cook proteins the next.

6. Stay Organized

Keep a list of your prepped meals and cross them off as you eat them to keep track of what you have available.

Meal Prep Recipes and Ideas

Need some inspiration? Here are some simple ideas to get you started on your meal prep journey:

Breakfast

• Oatmeal Jars: Prepare jars of oats with fruit, nuts, and seeds. Add milk or yogurt the night before for a quick, nutritious breakfast.
• Egg Muffins: Mix eggs with vegetables and cheese, pour into muffin tins, and bake. These can be easily reheated for a protein-rich breakfast.

Lunch

• Quinoa Salad: Combine cooked quinoa with vegetables, beans, and a light dressing. Store in individual containers for a ready-to-eat lunch option.
• Chicken Wraps: Prepare wraps with grilled chicken, hummus, and fresh veggies. Wrap tightly in foil and store in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go meal.

Dinner

• Slow Cooker Stew: Use a slow cooker to prepare a hearty stew with lean meat, vegetables, and broth. Portion into containers and freeze for future dinners.
• Baked Fish and Veggies: Season fish filets and place them on a baking sheet with mixed vegetables. Bake and store in portions for a nutritious dinner.

Snacks

• Fruit and Nut Mix: Prepare a mix of dried fruits and nuts for a healthy snack option.
• Veggie Sticks and Hummus: Pre-cut vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Store in the fridge with small containers of hummus for dipping.

Enjoy Nutritious, Well-Planned Meals with PLC

Meal prepping can be a game-changer for seniors and caregivers alike, ensuring that nutritious, balanced meals are always within reach. At Priority Life Care, we understand the importance of proper nutrition and offer personalized meal plans as part of our assisted living services.

If you’re seeking a community that values health, wellness, and personalized care, look no further. 

Reach out to us today to learn more about our comprehensive meal planning and assisted living options. Together, we can create a nutritious and enjoyable dining experience for you or your loved one.