Summer means a lot of things to all of us, but one of the best things it means is a pantry filled with fresh, delicious, nutritious seasonal foods. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables just sounds good in the summertime, especially when paired with dining al fresco in a shady spot.
“Summer means lots of variety and tastes for our dinner plates, but it also means a higher chance of dehydration and heat exhaustion, especially for seniors with dementia,” says Addie Ricci, Executive Director at Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk, located in Norwalk, CT. “It’s important for caregivers to make sure their loved ones are eating well during the warmer months as well as filling up on hydrating foods that will keep them satisfied and healthy.”
Great Foods for Summertime Meals
What staples should caregivers put on their grocery lists during the summer months? There are plenty of options, which means good things for your wallet, your fridge and your loved one with dementia. Here are some superfood summertime classics that are an easy addition to any meal.
Watermelon. What’s more iconic summertime than a big slice of watermelon? It’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as-is, toss it into a salad and even grill it! Not only is it yummy, but it’s also chock full of healthy vitamins and antioxidants like lycopene, potassium, vitamins A and C and a variety of amino acids. It’s also a very hydrating food, which is good if your senior loved one is less-than-excited about sipping water all day.
Berries. Raspberries, blueberries and blackberries are ubiquitous in summer, and they couldn’t be healthier for you. They’re low-calorie, low-sugar and nutrient-dense bites of goodness that are easy to throw into a smoothie or snack on throughout the day.
Corn. Besides being a summer staple, did you know that corn is a great source of lutein – an antioxidant that helps protect your eyes? It also can help older adults reduce their risk of cancer and heart disease. Enjoy a side of grilled corn with a steak or hamburger, or toss some kernels into a salad or salsa for an added kick.
Iced tea. Whether you’re on the side of sweet or unsweetened, the results are in: however you choose to drink it, iced tea is an excellent source of hydration and nutrients for your body. Science has shown that regular tea consumption can help lower your risk of diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease and provides better oral health as well as stronger bones and muscles. Tea is also chock full of healthy flavonoids that can help prevent cancer, heart disease.
Tomatoes. Fresh, juicy tomatoes make an excellent addition or salad for summer meals, and they also are an excellent source of lycopene and other vitamins and antioxidants. Tomatoes can help reduce your risk of cancer, reduce inflammation in your body and fight heart disease. Slice them up for sandwiches, sprinkle with olive oil and salt for a delicious salad, or eat them right off the vine (after washing, of course).
Tips for Helping Your Senior Stay Healthy and Hydrated
Now that you have your shopping list for ingredients that can make summer delicious and nutritious for your senior loved one, here are some tips for helping to get them to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Have your loved one help with meal prep. Summertime foods offer the perfect chance for your loved one to help get the meal ready. We’ve found that involving your senior with dementia in meal preparation can help improve happiness and increase the chances of eating a healthy meal. Have him or her help with slicing up fruit (with a blunt knife), washing vegetables, putting sandwiches together or even decorating cupcakes. All of these activities are useful and also help strengthen and exercise muscles.
Be flexible and don’t force foods on your loved one. What they love one day may be verboten the next, as you very well know. Be flexible and accommodate their tastes and preferences as much as possible. A great idea can be to take your loved one shopping with you to pick out items that interest them – this increases the chance that they will actually eat them instead of letting them languish in the back of the fridge.
Make hydration easy. Place pitchers of water or tea in strategic areas, and encourage your loved one to drink something at least once an hour. Be creative to make drinking more appealing, like infusing water with fruit or offering ice cream, smoothies or other water-rich foods in place of just plain water. Don’t forget about popsicles, which are a great way to stay cool and also get hydration. Look online for recipes that are low on sugar but high in flavor.
Eat outside. You’ll want to take some precautions, making sure that you’re sitting in the shade, that your loved one dresses for the weather and that there’s a cool place to escape to if there’s a danger of overheating. But eating outside provides so many benefits and can positively impact health and happiness almost immediately. Depending on how your loved one is feeling that day, have a picnic at a nearby park or even in your yard. Always use plain blankets if possible, and make sure that plates and cutlery contrast with the ground so that your loved one can easily see what they’re eating.
Eat together. One of the best ways to get your loved one to eat more and eat healthily is by providing a dining companion. Studies have shown that seniors who share meals together are more satisfied and happier, and have lower rates of malnutrition. Luckily, summer is a great time to get everyone together to eat outside and enjoy the beautiful weather – plus, it’s a lot easier to social distance in the great outdoors.
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Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community promotes a wellness-focused lifestyle that emphasizes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized, ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents.
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Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk’s services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide personalized attention and programming for residents in every stage of memory loss.
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Within a beautiful residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk provides everything residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. Soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel at home.
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