Summer Grilling with Seniors

The summer and being outdoors go together like peanut butter and jelly between two slices of fresh bread. Speaking of food, a popular activity for seniors during the warmer months is grilling. A good barbeque, a cool drink and great company is a mix that may do more for the health of your elderly loved one or client than medicine.

Before you begin to bask in the great weather and tantalizing flavors of your next cookout, consider the following tips for seniors.

Eat Your Veggies: Healthy Grilling 

We know you are asking yourself, “Why are the good folks at Mass Care Link talking about veggies when it’s barbecue season?” We aren’t telling you not to whip up your world-famous ribs. What we are saying is, make sure to include a variety of vegetables  along with meat and fish to keep yourself or your senior loved one healthy. If done right, grilled vegetables perfectly accompany the finest meats. Check out recipes online, or use your imagination. Simple marinades like a favorite oil & vinegar based salad dressing can pump up the flavor on any grilled veggie. When grilling fruits and vegetables, wash them in a clean sink, scrub firm produce, and cut them into large chunks so they don’t fall through the grates. You can also experiment with grilling plant proteins like tofu or plant-based meat alternatives. 

Keep Your Cool: Prioritize Hydration and Shade

While flipping and dipping your meats, ensure you and your senior client are properly hydrating throughout the day. Be careful to set up your grilling area so whoever is cooking has adequate access to shad. Depending on the health of your senior loved one or client, you may need to track the amount of time they spend outdoors to ensure that they don’t become overly exposed to the sun. 

While cookouts and beer often go hand in hand, stay mindful of the risks of over-consumption. If you do choose to serve alcoholic beverages, make sure you have enough cold water and other thirst-quenching choices to counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol consumption.

You’re Playing with Fire: Grill Safety

Start by properly securing the grill. Whether it’s an occasion with seniors or not, the placement and management of the grill should still be a top priority. It can be tempting to leave the grill unattended to go indoors or do something else while the food cooks, fire unattended can be dangerous. If you must move, find someone else to watch the grill while you are away. Set up a comfortable seating area near the grill so that someone can always keep an eye on it.

Use a propane or charcoal grill outside, away from your home, deck railings, and overhanging branches. Check your grill for leaks before grilling season begins, especially if you store it inside during the winter. 

Avoid the Danger Zone: Food safety

You want everyone to remember your cookout, but not because it gave them food poisoning. Use a food thermometer to ensure meat is cooked to the proper internal temperature. Don’t touch ready-to-eat food with your bare hands; use gloves or serving utensils instead. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables, and thaw frozen meat safely in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave before cooking. Salads and prepared food should stay out of the danger zone. When serving food, keep hot foods at 135°F or above and cold foods at 41°F or below.

Storing Leftovers: One of the most common causes of food-borne illness is improper cooling of cooked foods. Bacteria can be reintroduced to food after it is safely cooked. For this reason leftovers must be put in shallow containers for quick cooling and refrigerated at 40°F or below within two hours.

Reheating: Foods should be reheated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F or until hot and steaming.

Grilling: Clean your grill after use by turning up the heat to burn off food particles and scrubbing thoroughly to prevent buildup. 

With a little preparation and care, you and your client or loved one can make the most of the summer while staying healthy and safe. Are you currently offering care to a loved one at home? Mass Care Link can help you secure financial assistance. Contact Mass Care Link at 866-880-8889 or via info@masscarelink.org today to learn more.