Nutritious summer foods for senior communities are important for residents to not only stay strong and healthy, but also to stay cool and refreshed! Whether you’re taking care of a loved one, or you’re looking for summer culinary ideas for those in aged care, these summer foods, snacks, and meals will help them beat the heat and stay healthy! Check out the snacks & summer meal ideas for seniors!
Best Summer Snacks for Seniors
No matter if your senior loved one is playing cards, watching movies, relaxing by the pool, or participating in other engaging activities, eating these nutritious snacks in the summer will ensure they stay cool and refreshed!
Water Dense Fruits
Staying hydrated during the summer is so important, especially for seniors! No matter if your loved one is living on their own or if they’re in independent living, assisted living, or memory care, snacking on thirst-quenching fruits that have high water content is one of the best ways to do so!
WATERMELON
92% Water
Watermelon is high in vitamins A and C, with some B vitamins and antioxidants like lycopene. It also contains about 92% water, making it the most refreshing, hydrating fruit!
STRAWBERRIES
91% Water
Rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, with around 91% water content, these are another one of the most refreshing fruits of the summer! Other berries are good too!
GRAPEFRUIT
88% Water
Grapefruits are high in vitamins A & C, fiber, and antioxidants, and they contain about 88% water. They’re refreshing, but sweet, making them a great summer snack!
ORANGES
86% Water
Oranges are not only an excellent source of vitamin C, but they also contain fiber, several B vitamins, and are about 86% water content!
CANTALOUPE
90% Water
They are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants; and they contain about 90% water, putting them right up there with watermelon!
PEACHES
89% Water
Peaches are a great source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. They’re sweet & have around 89% water content!
PINEAPPLE
86% Water
They are high in vitamin C, manganese, and bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme! Containing about 86% water & offering a tart flavor, they’re a great snack!
PEARS
86% Water
Made up of about 84% water content, pears are also rich in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium! Not only are they healthy but they’re also soft, making them super easy to eat.
MANGOS
83% Water
Sweet & soft, Mangos are high in vitamins A & C, fiber, and antioxidants; they also contain around 83% water, making them the perfect snack to hydrate!
WATERMELON
92% Water
Watermelon is high in vitamins A and C, with some B vitamins and antioxidants like lycopene. It also contains about 92% water, making it the most refreshing, hydrating fruit!
STRAWBERRIES
91% Water
Rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, with around 91% water content, these are another one of the most refreshing fruits of the summer! Other berries are good too!
GRAPEFRUIT
88% Water
Grapefruits are high in vitamins A & C, fiber, and antioxidants, and they contain about 88% water. They’re refreshing, but sweet, making them a great summer snack!
ORANGES
86% Water
Oranges are not only an excellent source of vitamin C, but they also contain fiber, several B vitamins, and are about 86% water content!
CANTALOUPE
90% Water
They are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants; and they contain about 90% water, putting them right up there with watermelon!
PEACHES
89% Water
Peaches are a great source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. They’re sweet & have around 89% water content!
PINEAPPLE
86% Water
They are high in vitamin C, manganese, and bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme! Containing about 86% water & offering a tart flavor, they’re a great snack!
PEARS
86% Water
Made up of about 84% water content, pears are also rich in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium! Not only are they healthy but they’re also soft, making them super easy to eat.
MANGOS
83% Water
Sweet & soft, Mangos are high in vitamins A & C, fiber, and antioxidants; they also contain around 83% water, making them the perfect snack to hydrate!
Summer Veggies
Not only do seniors need to stay hydrated in the summer, but they also need to get their vitamins and nutrients! There is a medley of vegetables, specifically of the dark green and orange variety that grow in the summer that can help ensure your loved one gets the nutritious snack they need to stay healthy!
Orange Summer Vegetables
During the summer, orange vegetables are great for seniors because they contain nutrients like Beta-carotene, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that is converted to Vitamin A, which helps prevents eye diseases, support vision, and reduce inflammation. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and helps support dental health. Lastly, Vitamin K can help ensure blood clots properly if you get injured. You can see why these nutrients are essential to elder health!
Sweet Potatoes
Primary Nutrients: Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A, Vitamin C
Not only does one sweet potato give you 102% of Vitamin A you need each day, but it also contains Antioxidants, Calcium, B Vitamins, Fiber, Iron, and even more nutrients, earning it “superfood” status. Studies have shown that consumption of sweet potatoes has helped lower the risk of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. They have also been associated with increased cognitive function, so sweet potatoes should always be on the menu!
Carrots
Primary Nutrients: Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Potassium, Fiber
Although there are many types of carrots out there, they’re all nutritious! Along with it’s main nutrients, carrots also contain Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, and more. Like sweet potatoes, they also contain Beta-Carotene, which are cancer-fighting antioxidants. Studies have shown carrots help lower the risk of many times of cancer, as well as diabetes. They also help boost your immune system, reduce constipation, strengthen bones, and help control diabetes. Served cold, and maybe with some veggie dip, this vegetable is a perfect crunchy snack for the summer!
Senior Living Summer Breakfast Ideas
Warm Oatmeal & Fresh Berries
Ingredients:
- Fresh blueberries, strawberries or raspberries
- Old-fashioned oats
- Butter
Instructions:
- Place fresh berries in a crockpot on low heat with a small pat of butter.
- Add one serving of old-fashioned oats with water.
- Cover and cook on low for several hours or overnight.
Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients:
- Yogurt (look for yogurt low in sugar)
- Seasonal nuts or sunflower seeds
- Fresh fruit
Instructions:
- Place yogurt in the bottom of a small dish or cup.
- Top with nuts and fresh fruit.
- Refrigerate or serve immediately.
Southwest Omelet
Ingredients:
- Two eggs
- One tbsp. olive oil
- Pepper jack cheese
- Fresh salsa
- Avocado
Instructions:
- Beat two eggs.
- Add 1 tbsp. olive oil to a skillet and heat.
- Pour in the egg mixture and add in cheese and salsa.
- When eggs are light yellow and firm, fold and serve with avocado.
Summer Lunch & Dinner Ideas for Seniors
Summer Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Olive oil
- Summer squash
- Sweet corn
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce mix
Instructions:
- Cook chicken thoroughly on medium heat in a skillet seasoned with olive oil.
- Once cooked through, shred and place in the refrigerator.
- Cut up vegetables and add to a bowl with salad mix.
- Add in shredded chicken and mix before eating.
Veggie Packed Pizza
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- 1 cup shaved zucchini
- Pre-made whole-wheat pizza crust
- Refrigerated basil pesto
- 2 tomatoes
- Baby spring mix
- Chopped fresh basil
- Shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Brush a whole-wheat pizza crust with olive oil and layer with basil pesto.
- Cut all vegetables and layer on pizza.
- Sprinkle with cheese (if desired) and then broil in oven until cheese melts and crust is heated through.
- Garnish with sliced basil and slice before eating.
Our Summer Menu Ideas for Aged Care at Heritage Senior Living
Heritage Senior Living understands the importance of a nutritionally balanced diet. At all of our senior communities in Wisconsin, no matter what care level your or your loved one needs, Enhanced, Memory, Assisted, or Independent Living, you can leave the cooking to our staff when you dine in one of our chef-inspired, in-house restaurants. With a coordinated schedule of outings and activities, exquisite culinary creations, and an integrative wellness program, you’ll find everything you need to feel at home. Learn more about the continuous care offered at Heritage Senior Living. Contact us today with questions or to schedule a tour.
