Winter is on the way out but it’s not gone yet, and seniors may be struggling with the last of the winter blahs. The cold dark days can make seniors prone to depression and a general negative state of mind. There are lots of things that can help seniors improve their mood though, including eating certain foods. Along with things like exercise and medication eating these foods can help seniors avoid those late winter blahs and be happy that spring is on the way:
Citrus Fruit
Citrus fruit like oranges and grapefruit are packed full of vitamins and minerals that seniors often don’t get enough of. And the vitamin C in citrus fruit can help boost your senior parent’s immune system and help them feel physical better as well as mentally better. The only caveat is that seniors who take medications should check with their doctor to make sure it’s ok for them to eat grapefruit because grapefruit interacts poorly with many medications. Seniors who can eat grapefruit will love a tart and sweet grilled grapefruit with brown sugar or some fresh orange segments on their yogurt in the morning.
Fresh Leafy Greens
Fresh leafy greens may be a luxury in the winter but they are excellent foods for seniors to eat. They contain essential minerals like zinc that seniors need to improve circulation, brain health, and overall wellness. A salad made from fresh leafy greens will be the perfect reminder that spring is coming and so are all the wonderful foods associated with spring like fresh vegetables. Elder care can help seniors who have trouble washing, chopping, and preparing foods for salads make the fresh and delicious salads that will improve their health and boost their mood.
Spring Drinks
Spring drinks that sparkle with color and flavor are a great pick-me-up for seniors that are feeling down in the dumps as winter wanes. Mix some fruit infused sparkling water with fresh orange juice, apple juice, or any fresh fruit juice for a sweet and light drink that your senior parent will love. You can also use an infusion pitcher to create wonderful drinks using fresh fruit, cucumbers, melons, and other foods. To make them seem really special serve in a special glass and garnish with fresh herbs or berries. A sliced orange on the rim of the glass is also a great garnish.
Smoothies
Smoothies are spring in a glass. Elder care can help make smoothies for seniors who have trouble working the blender because of poor grip strength or arthritis in their hands. Smoothies can be made with frozen fruit if fresh fruit isn’t available, but it’s best if they are made with fresh fruit. Add in leafy greens and vegetables for extra nutrition and to give the smoothies more depth of taste. Don’t forget to add some sweet fruits to enhance that freshness that will make your senior loved one think of spring when they drink it.
If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Galesburg, MI, please contact the caring staff at Fresh Perspective Home Care today. Call (269) 329-4717
Fresh Perspective Home Care is a trusted non-medical senior home care provider in Kalamazoo, Portage, Mattawan, Richland, Vicksburg, Schoolcraft, Three Rivers, Gull Lake, Yorkville and Otsego, Michigan.
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