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Author: Ketan Shah

The summer months are not only great for sunshine and fresh air, but they are also the perfect time to enjoy all of the wonderful fresh fruit available. Whether your senior is picking up fresh fruit from a local farmer’s market or her big box grocery store, fresh fruit can be a delicious way to stay healthy. And a bonus perk is that many of these fruits can be found at lower prices during the summer, helping your senior stay on budget while still enjoying the health perks that come from summer fruits.

Let’s look at some great summer fruits for your senior to have around the home for meals and snacks as well as some tips for making it easily available when she wants it.

Melons

Watermelons, cantaloupe, and more melons are easily found in most markets during the summer. These fruits not only have nutrients needed for good health but also are water-packed, providing necessary hydration in the hot summer months. And since they store best in the fridge, they can also offer a nice, cooling snack or addition to a light lunch, making sure to keep your senior cool.

It can be daunting for your senior to look at a large melon and wonder how she’s going to carry that home and slice it up. While you can buy pre-sliced fruit at the store, it’s usually quite a bit more expensive. Consider having your loved one’s in-home care provider help with the prep of fruit so that when your senior is ready to enjoy it, it’s in her fridge and ready to eat. Whether the in-home care provider cuts it into slices or chunks, it’ll help make sure your senior enjoys it easily.

Berries

Berries are rich in antioxidants, low in calories, and high in fiber, making them a perfect snack for popping in the mouth while sitting outside watching the birds or enjoying the setting sun. Berries are known to reduce inflammation and improve circulation and are plentiful during the summer months.

Berries need to be washed and dried well, so have your senior’s in-home provider help by washing them all and then putting them in a breathable container in the fridge for your loved one to add to salads, yogurt, or even a bowl with a bit of whipped cream for a sweet treat. While strawberries should be sliced to make them easier to eat, most of the other berries can be stored whole, making it a simple snack to have around.

Citrus Fruits

Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are all better in the summer and are easily stored in the refrigerator for longer periods. Because of this, it’s usually better to leave them whole until ready to eat. If your loved one struggles to peel or slice her fruit, a daily in-home care provider can help each day with getting the fruit ready for her to enjoy with her meals or as a snack.

Another fun tip for many citrus fruits is that they make great accompaniments to water. Encourage your senior to stay hydrated by having her in-home care provider add sliced lemons, limes, or oranges to a pitcher of water in the morning to have as a refreshing drink throughout the day.