Dehydration can be a big problem for seniors throughout the year, but it’s a bigger problem during the warm summer months. Because seniors sweat more during the warm weather they lose even more moisture and that can lead to them becoming dangerously dehydrated. A great way for seniors to stay hydrated during warm weather is to eat more foods that contain a lot of water. Elder care is great for seniors in the summer because an elder care provider can remind seniors to drink more water throughout the day. And an elder care provider can also make snacks and meals that contain these foods which have a lot of water in them:
Watermelon
Watermelon is a fantastic snack for seniors. It’s very low in calories so it’s perfect for seniors that need to lose some weight or seniors that want to maintain their current weight. And watermelon is mostly water. It’s very refreshing and delicious, especially when served cold. Seedless watermelons are better for seniors than regular watermelons. And it’s a good idea to buy pre-cut watermelon in containers unless your senior parent is capable of cutting up a large watermelon. If your senior parent has elder care then the care provider can cut it up for them.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are another fantastic summer food. They’re delicious alone or paired with tomatoes and onions in a light salad. Cucumbers can be added to water to make a cool refreshing drink. Or seniors can enjoy cucumber slices mixed with a little fresh lemon juice, sour cream, and mint. This versatile food can also be delicious eaten alone with a little salt and pepper. Cucumbers are packed with nutrients and water. And in the summer they are usually very inexpensive. They can even be grown at home.
Squash
Squash needs to be cooked, but it can still be delicious. And there are so many varieties of squash to choose from that seniors won’t get bored even if they have squash several times during the week. Squash can be pureed and chilled and served as a cold soup. Or it can add some crunch to a salad. Squash can be a tough food for seniors to eat if it’s not cooked properly. But if squash is baked or roasted it can very soft and easy for seniors to eat even if they have bad teeth or wear dentures.
Strawberries
Nothing says summer like strawberries. Strawberries have a lot of essential vitamins, including vitamin C, and they are also filled with water. Strawberries can be turned into a strawberry shortcake for a delicious dessert. They can also be served alone, or with whipped cream, as a snack. A fantastic way to serve strawberries is to put a little whipped cream and strawberry gelatin powder into a cup of high protein cottage cheese. Stir that together and then add fresh sliced strawberries. This treat can be a great breakfast, dessert, or snack during the summer.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Cambridge, MA, please contact the caring staff at PlatinumCare + today. Call (617) 237-0867.
PlatinumCare + was born out of the desire and passion to provide the very best home health care possible in Brookline, Dover, Newton, Needham, Watertown, Weston, Cambridge, Lincoln, Sudbury, Belmont, Boston MA, and surrounding areas.
All with decades of experience, Tim in IT Operations, Support, and Management, Brenda in Client Relations, Healthcare Services & Sales Management, and Anne in Healthcare as a Nurse Practitioner combined their skills to form what is now PlatinumCare +.
As immigrants to the US, all came from backgrounds where Healthcare for aging parents was a responsibility of the immediate family and the entire community. Aging, sick, or terminal community members were cared for physically, emotionally, and financially by family, friends, including strangers! This community approach, Healthcare with a difference, delivered with the utmost love, care, sacrifice, and passion, forms the basis of how PlatinumCare + grounds itself.
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