It is summer at last! And there is nothing better to celebrate this beautiful season than having a barbecue. It is only expected that you will want to throw an exciting barbecue for the whole family. As you start planning for a barbecue that includes older people, there are some things you have to take note of. Do follow these tips to make sure that you have a fun and healthy barbecue for everyone. Read on to learn more about barbecue safety and how to have a fun and safe barbecue with your aging parents!
Think About The Menu
Most seniors have certain kinds of dietary restrictions. In that case, you may already know what they are, or you can ask them about it. It is always a good idea to include healthy options, such as low-fat, low-sodium, and sugar-free foods. Now, there is a greater emphasis placed on healthy eating than ever before, so these are hardly restrictions at all. Even the barbecue staples such as hotdogs come in different forms, such as soy dogs and turkey dogs. If you feel like eating a kebab, you can make them with fish or chicken instead of using beef. Vegetable kebabs are also a colorful and delicious choice you can go for. These are not just prepared for the older ones. You will be surprised to find that younger people enjoy them as well!
Keep The Drinks Flowing
Having an icy beer is a barbecue classic. However, alcohol is generally not a good idea for older adults, especially because it is dehydrating. Make sure you prepare sugar-free drinks for everyone to enjoy at the barbecue. Fruit-infused water is a trendy and healthy option. Do encourage older adults to drink water frequently too! Older people, especially those with dementia, sometimes forget or don’t realize that they are thirsty, which makes them more prone to dehydration.
Put A Cherry On Top
Put a cherry or a watermelon on top of your dessert. Dessert doesn’t have to mean ice cream. You can take advantage of the bounty of summer, and provide a fruit platter as a healthy alternative to sugary treats. For people with diabetes, however, even fruit might contain too much sugar so you might want to prepare some sugar-free options as well.
Stay Shaded And Cool
It is important to stay cool and shaded on warm sunny days. Sun exposure is another issue for seniors, so make sure your loved ones have a shady place where they can sit.
Having a barbecue is a great idea to celebrate the summer days. To involve your aging parents, it is good to follow these tips to make sure they have a good time too. Make the necessary preparations and enjoy your fun barbecue!
Experience Senior Living At The Trace
The Trace is a top-notch senior living community where your loved ones can live the lifestyle they have always wanted. Our team is dedicated to looking after their health and wellness. Feel free to contact us for more information.