July is National Ice Cream Month, which means that people of all ages have an even better excuse to indulge in the frozen dessert. Elderly adults usually haven’t lost their taste for ice cream, but many family caregivers may wonder if it’s alright to allow their aging relative to have ice cream regularly. The good news is that unless their doctor has specifically forbidden ice cream, there’s no reason why elders can’t enjoy a dish or cone regularly.
Ways to Celebrate National Ice Cream Month
Ice cream is often the centerpiece of fun events, from birthdays and anniversaries to parties and picnics. With National Ice Cream Month, there are lots of ways that family caregivers and their aging relatives can celebrate together. Many families host ice cream parties or ice cream sundae parties with many flavors and toppings. They can also make their own ice cream with electric ice cream makers.
Other ways that elders and family members can enjoy ice cream in July is to plan trips to local ice cream parlors—the more historic the better. Many areas even have ice cream factories that give tours. Elderly adults are usually eager for any kind of outing, so an ice cream themed adventure makes it even more fun.
Elders and Ice Cream
Family caregivers and elder care providers work hard to make nutritious meals and snacks for elderly adults. However, desserts are one of the things that make life fun. In fact, elderly adults can benefit from a moderate serving of ice cream. While younger adults don’t want to take in too much of the sugar and fat found in ice cream, elders often need both of those to stay healthy. A cup of ice cream is idea for seniors who struggle to eat enough calories, especially dairy fat.
Another benefit of ice cream for seniors is that the dessert can be a vehicle for some other nutritious ingredients. Family caregivers and elder care providers can sprinkle nuts, granola or fresh fruit over the top of the ice cream to deliver some extra nutrients to the aging adult. Seniors are more likely to eat these things when served with ice cream than on their own. Again, ice cream should never be a meal substitute, but a small amount as a snack can be a good thing for seniors.
We All Scream for Ice Cream
All in all, there’s no reason why elderly adults can’t enjoy ice cream regularly. It has such a strong connection with happy times that many seniors often reminisce about their youth over a bowl or a cone of ice cream. Having a regular treat like ice cream can be soothing and comforting for many aging adults, too. Family caregivers, friends, elder care providers and neighbors can really bond with elderly adults during National Ice Cream Month and the shared passion of ice cream.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elder Care Services in Palm Coast FL, please contact the caring staff at Home-Call Healthcare. Call today904-861-0424.
