Summer Meals for Seniors

As the song says, it’s summertime and the livin’ is easy. At least, you want to do everything possible to ensure the living is easy this summer. When the hot, humid East Coast summers hit, the last thing you want to do is cook a hot meal. If you’re helping care for an aging parent, you might be trying to figure out how to create summer meals for seniors that take little effort and help keep your loved ones hydrated and refreshed. Read on for a few easy summer recipes for seniors—and the entire family. 

Summer Eating

Summer is hot, and it is a time when seniors can become overheated. In addition to ensuring they stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, you should also encourage them to eat food high in water content. It is essential that they eat healthy to stay healthy overall. In fact, studies show that eating healthy can also reduce stress, anxiety and depression and lead to better cognitive function. 

One of the advantages of living in New Jersey is the abundance of fruits and vegetables. Try to shop locally for what is in season. Some of the best fruits and vegetables for summer include those beautiful Jersey tomatoes, fresh blueberries, cucumbers, watermelon, peaches, green peppers, apples and melons. These foods have high water content and taste great. 

Easy Summer Recipes for Seniors

You can use those great local ingredients to create light summer recipes for seniors. Here are a few suggestions guaranteed to whet any appetite, even when the temperature and the humidity soar.

Watermelon Salad

Nothing says summer like cold watermelon. Turn it into a meal—or at least a delicious side—by cubing it and adding cubed cucumber. Place it in a bowl and top with a handful of crumbled feta cheese and torn fresh herbs. We recommend mint and basil. You can use a local vinaigrette or make your own with equal parts olive oil and honey, a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt. Pour the dressing lightly over the watermelon, toss and enjoy. 

Jersey Tomato Salad

Summers demand you enjoy those plump, ripe Jersey tomatoes. One of the best ways to enjoy them is by creating a simple tomato salad. You can slice your tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Mix olive oil, salt and pepper and pour over the tomatoes. Cover it and let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. Sprig with fresh basil and serve with crusty bread. 

Grilling Time

Summer is also the ideal time for grilling. It gives your family a chance to gather while preparing the meal, but keeps the house cool. Marinate a light protein such as fish or chicken for an ideal accompaniment to either of the above salads. 

Throw some ears of fresh corn on the grill, and dinner is served. For the corn, remove the husks and silk, place each ear on a square of aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on the hot grill for 15-18 minutes, turning once. Remove and serve with butter. 

Create an Easy Summer Cobb Salad

A Cobb salad is a great one-dish meal. Use fresh mixed greens as your base. Top with a few halved hard-boiled eggs, fresh avocado chunks, beautiful sliced Jersey tomatoes and a handful of diced red onion. For summer, add chilled, shelled shrimp instead of bacon. Top with a light garlic vinaigrette. 

Get Peace of Mind This Summer and Beyond

Your life is busy. You often find yourself sandwiched between helping aging parents and shuttling kids around town. Fitting everything in often takes the joy out of spending time with your family. Use these simple recipes to create summer meals for seniors and enjoy that easy living—at least for an afternoon. 

If you are looking for ways to better monitor your parents’ health and wellbeing when you cannot be by their side, there is an affordable solution. Fellowship Connected Living Powered by Livindi offers so many benefits to families. It gives you the peace of mind you want and helps your parents safely maintain their independence. Discover the benefits of Fellowship Connected Living now by calling 908-580-3849 or visiting us online. Now is the time to embrace that summertime easy living.