Healthy Summer Meals for Aging Adults

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Nutritious Summertime Meals for Older Adults in Tampa Bay, FL

In the hot summer months, meals should be lightweight, easy to make, filled with the season’s fresh produce, and require minimal preparation. No one, regardless of age, wants to cook over a hot stove during the summertime. Ahead, check out healthy summer meals that are perfect for seniors. 

Mexican-Inspired Pasta Salad

When the temperatures rise, opt for cold pasta dishes rather than hot ones. Mexican-inspired pasta salads are a unique alternative to the traditional meal of spaghetti with marinara sauce, and they incorporate healthy ingredients seniors may not eat every day. 

Ingredients: 

Whole-wheat fusilli pasta 
Black beans 
Corn 
Cherry tomatoes 
Low-fat shredded cheddar cheese 
Avocado 
Low-fat mayonnaise 
Lime juice 

To prepare this dish, combine fusilli, black beans, corn, and chopped cherry tomatoes. Combine mashed avocado, mayonnaise, and lime juice to make the sauce. Mix the pasta and the sauce, then top it all with a sprinkling of shredded cheddar. The whole-wheat pasta provides seniors with the fiber they need for digestive health, the cheese has bone-strengthening calcium, and the black beans are an excellent source of calcium. Avocados are loaded with potassium, heart-healthy fatty acids, and fiber. 

Cooking heart-healthy meals can be difficult for family caregivers who have other responsibilities to tend to. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Safety Harbor, FL, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.

Grilled Salmon with Cantaloupe

When people grill in the summer, they usually opt for burgers, hot dogs, or thick slabs of steak. However, red meat has a high fat content, and seniors should get their protein from leaner sources. Salmon is an excellent option for aging adults because it contains omega-3 fatty acids, which promote cognitive health and diminish inflammation. The following recipe is a great dinner dish for long summer nights. 

Ingredients: 

Salmon fillets 
Lime juice 
Olive oil 
Cantaloupe 
Cherry tomatoes 
Cucumbers 

To prepare, season the salmon with spices and a dash of lime, then stick it on the grill. Make a side salad with the cantaloupe, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, and top it all with a dressing made of lime juice and olive oil. 

There is more to this meal than omega-3 fatty acids. Seniors also benefit from the vision-enhancing beta-carotene found in cantaloupe and the vitamin K and potassium in tomatoes. 

Weak vision is just one of the many health issues adults experience in their senior years. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Clearwater Home Care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help.

Papaya Yogurt Parfait

For a refreshing summer breakfast that doesn’t require any cooking, try a yogurt parfait. 

Ingredients: 

Greek yogurt 
Papaya 
Raspberries 
Chopped almonds 
Whole-wheat granola 

This parfait is filled with nutrients seniors need, making it an energizing start to the day. The Greek yogurt has calcium, which keeps bones strong, and probiotics, which boost digestive health. Chopped almonds are a great source of protein, and the fruit is filled with antioxidants and vitamin C. 

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Many seniors have difficulty digesting meat. For seniors looking for an alternative source of protein, chickpeas are an excellent option. Chickpeas contain plenty of protein, as well as fiber, vitamin K, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Seniors can try this healthy sandwich for lunch. 

Ingredients: 

Chickpeas 
Mayonnaise 
Sour cream 
Salt 
Cucumbers 
Romaine lettuce 
Whole-wheat bread 

To prepare, mix the chickpeas with a dash of mayonnaise and sour cream, a pinch of salt, and seasoning like chipotle powder or chili powder. Spread the chickpeas on the bread, and top with a piece of lettuce and some sliced cucumbers.

Eating nutritious meals can boost a senior’s overall health and wellbeing. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Safety Harbor, FL, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at (727) 330-7862 to learn about our premier elderly care plans.

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