National Farmer’s Market Week runs through August 13th this year, and it’s a great way for your senior to explore some ways to improve her quality of life. Just going to the farmer’s market regularly is a fantastic experience, and if your senior is willing to explore and expand her food horizons a little bit, she may find some new favorite healthy foods.
Get in Touch with the Local Farmer’s Market
So many farmer’s markets are getting the word out digitally these days. That helps everyone in the community to stay up to date with the latest information about the market and what might be available there. If there’s a newsletter, consider signing your senior up to receive periodic updates in her email inbox. Also, lots of farmer’s markets have “mobile” options, which typically means that a smaller “food truck”-style vehicle may make stops on other days at places all over the community the farmer’s market serves. Look for that option to see if it’s something that might be more convenient for your aging family member.
Explore New Food Ideas
The best part of a farmer’s market is that your elderly family member can explore new and different foods, primarily produce. Plus, these foods are at their peak at the farmer’s market, which means that they’re full of flavor and nutrients as well as being at their best prices all year. Supporting local farmers is amazing enough, but the food is all local, meaning your elderly family member is getting the most nutrients possible. Having help from in-home care providers to actually prepare the food can make eating from the farmer’s market the best idea.
Farmer’s Markets Are a Great Way to Get Out of the House
Lots of seniors want a reason if they’re going to leave the house and heading to the farmer’s market gives your elderly family member a change of scenery that has huge benefits. If transportation is a problem, in-home care providers can help. Going to the farmer’s market is also a great way for your elderly family member to come into contact with other people she might not have gotten a chance to see any other way. This helps her to make socializing a lot easier.
Your Senior May Decide to Grow Produce of Her Own
It wouldn’t be terrible if your elderly family member got inspired at the farmer’s market, either. Lots of farmers don’t just bring produce, but they also bring seeds or seedlings to sell. That means your elderly family member might decide to try her hand at growing a few plants at home. In-home care can make this even easier, and your elderly family member may find that having some new plants depending on her helps her to get more physically active, too.
Farmer’s markets are a winning situation for everyone involved, especially your aging family member. Take the time to explore the farmer’s markets closest to her and see if she finds a new favorite market.