Staying Cool

Summer Ideas For Older Adults

1. Nutritional needs for seniors include staying hydrated to beat the heat and humidity.

   Don't wait until you feel thirsty. Hydrate regularly every hour or two throughout the day. Tip: to stay motivated and keep track of your water intake, use a water bottle with ounces marked, or drink from one pitcher that contains exactly the amount of water you need for the day. As people age, they need more water for body temperature regulation. Ask your doctor what is best for you. Many recommend 64 ounces (8 eight-ounce glasses) of water a day. Tip: set a timer or alarm to remind you to drink a glass of water every hour or two. Keep a journal to record your hourly intake.

2. Summer is the time to meal prep!

   Tip: for easy make-ahead meals for seniors, use the oven the evening before, to cook hamburgers or other summer meats, and chill the food in the refrigerator for the next day. This also works for breakfast muffins, baked potatoes, casseroles, lasagnas, etc. Tip: use smaller appliances that generate less heat, like a slow cooker, panini press, air fryer, or toaster oven. Soups and stews are easy to make ahead and freeze -- and highly customizable for individual diets. Soups and stews are also easy for seniors to chew, swallow, and digest. Try chicken noodle soups made with root vegetables, or low-sodium chili with protein-filled tofu and beans. Tip: soak beans overnight for easy digestion. Cool snacks such as fruit popsicles or frozen grapes are vitamin-packed, fast and easy, and deliciously sweet! Tip: fill an ice-cube tray with chunks of fruit for easy access, and freeze.

3. Lighter, cooler meals are better this time of year than heavy, hot entrées.

   Spruce up easy summer meals for the elderly with fun and healthy dressings and sauces for salads and sandwiches. Use a blender to puree avocado, fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, pepper, and oil for a quick and creamy salad spectacular. Use colorful and sweet veggies for salads, like bell peppers and tomatoes. Try a cheese platter with pickles, cold cuts, crudites, and protein-packed dips like hummus.

4. Don't forget snacks!

   There are great lunch and dinner ideas for seniors in summer, but many also enjoy light, cool snacks. Hard-boiled eggs, oatmeal with berries and yogurt, and cheese and crackers are all great snacks or light breakfasts for seniors to make sure they are getting their daily recommended nutrients. Tip: easy recipes for senior nutrition in summer include potato salad, sandwiches, and cut-up vegetables and fruit. For seniors who need easy finger foods, it's a good idea to make some freezer meals that can be eaten casually by hand and don't require silverware. Coat chicken fingers with fiber-filled corn flakes and parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast. Remember the food pyramid -- eat lots of fruits and veggies, plenty of grains, and some protein with every meal.