Its hard to please everyone at a Bar B Que or any gathering.
Im not elderly but I decided about 4 years ago to not eat pork products or beef. I am on my way to becoming vegetarian. My host would not know this. I would feel bad telling them I couldnt eat the food they took time to prepare.
I think if someone is hosting a Bar B Que or gathering that doesnt normally deal with elderly people and restrictions, this is great advice.
My father in law has no teeth but to look at him you wouldnt know this. Everything he “eats” HAS to be soft because he cant chew anything. So the chicken does have to be boiled and he has sodium restrictions, and all kinds of other restrictions because of all the health problems he has.
Before my father in law moved in with us, if I had a Bar B Que or gathering I never knew about elderly peoples diet restrictions. So I just made what I wanted to. If people didn't eat or didnt like it, tough, its what I made. I didnt know any better.
For the person who said “caregivers know” well A Lot of elderly people DONT have caregivers, so in a situation like a Bar B Que or gathering, UNLESS the elderly person spoke up for themselves, the host would never know.
My mom is 84, lives alone, has all sorts of stuff going on but wont speak up because she feels bad and doesnt want anyone to “cause a fuss” over her. So if she goes to a gathering where theres food, she wont eat what she cant and then wait til she goes home AND THEN eats. Its sad but thats the way A Lot of people are.
Everyone's needs, habits and restrictions are different, theres no “one size fits all” when it comes to food.
Healthy fats should be encouraged. Add avocado to a salad and you have something light, tasty (as long as the diners like avocado), and satisfying. Sugars, highly glutenized wheats, and simple carbohydrates are the main things to avoid, but for a once in a rare while a little indulgence should be fine.
Gluten's biggest issue is that it breaks the blood brain barrier. This is not a good thing unless you actually want to push something through that barrier.
I think most good hosts try their best to accommodate all their guests, be they great grandpa with no teeth or cousin Millie's vegan girlfriend. And often anyone with a terribly restrictive diet is happy to bring along a few items they can share with everyone. Variety and a laissez faire attitude are the key, and have fun!
I do realize what the article is trying to do and I believe most caregivers know how to handle food situations. My dad is 87 and has all of his own teeth. He would love a steak or hot dogs and beans. Once in awhile ain't gonna break him and we'll check his sugar. Happy 4th!
I like the idea of keeping it simple, but for seniors on holidays.....I'm not sure why watching out for fat grams and such is a priority. It's only a few times a year. To me taste and easy to handle food would be my focus. I wouldn't go for hard to eat ribs or hard to cut and chew steak.
Of course, I would have some beverages that aren't loaded with sugar for diabetics, but most diabetics can eat an average meal and even a desert once in a while. (I am diabetic and I do splurge on holiday cookouts. Just not sweet tea. lol)
I agree with Dragon Bait. However, after reading the other comments I think the nice thing to do is to all wear bibs (young or not) if anyone is wearing one. I think we need for dentist/scientist to work and design teeth to fit individuals so they can eat. We can do space exploration but we can do that? We can build drones but not teeth that fit? 79 million baby boomers consumers.
There are two good ideas here: Serve a variety of foods, and don't make an issue "if they beg off food." Soy hot dogs are disgusting. One meal of Hebrew National or Boar's Head won't give anyone a heart attack. Popsicles? If you want to offer a low fat option, how about a nice sorbet?
Just because you are old doesn't mean you have to eat overcooked, unsalted, low fat pap. And even if they do need a restricted diet most days surely a holiday cook out is a time they can indulge a little.
Yes, seniors typically won't eat much so if you are preparing a plate, always ask how much they want. One lady I take care of makes a big mess when restaurants and well-meaning people put too much food on their plates. It is sad to have to use an adult bib but the alternative is looking less dignified for much longer if out in public with huge stains on their clothes. I avoid hard to eat food and avoid gravy since this lady can't see well and has residual problems from a stroke.
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What to Serve Seniors at a Cookout
Im not elderly but I decided about 4 years ago to not eat pork products or beef. I am on my way to becoming vegetarian. My host would not know this. I would feel bad telling them I couldnt eat the food they took time to prepare.
I think if someone is hosting a Bar B Que or gathering that doesnt normally deal with elderly people and restrictions, this is great advice.
My father in law has no teeth but to look at him you wouldnt know this.
Everything he “eats” HAS to be soft because he cant chew anything. So the chicken does have to be boiled and he has sodium restrictions, and all kinds of other restrictions because of all the health problems he has.
Before my father in law moved in with us, if I had a Bar B Que or gathering I never knew about elderly peoples diet restrictions. So I just made what I wanted to. If people didn't eat or didnt like it, tough, its what I made. I didnt know any better.
For the person who said “caregivers know” well A Lot of elderly people DONT have caregivers, so in a situation like a Bar B Que or gathering, UNLESS the elderly person spoke up for themselves, the host would never know.
My mom is 84, lives alone, has all sorts of stuff going on but wont speak up because she feels bad and doesnt want anyone to “cause a fuss” over her. So if she goes to a gathering where theres food, she wont eat what she cant and then wait til she goes home AND THEN eats. Its sad but thats the way A Lot of people are.
Everyone's needs, habits and restrictions are different, theres no “one size fits all” when it comes to food.
I think this article is good advice.
Gluten's biggest issue is that it breaks the blood brain barrier. This is not a good thing unless you actually want to push something through that barrier.
Of course, I would have some beverages that aren't loaded with sugar for diabetics, but most diabetics can eat an average meal and even a desert once in a while. (I am diabetic and I do splurge on holiday cookouts. Just not sweet tea. lol)