Winter months can be hard for many people. The cold, dark weather can really limit our activities as well as our moods.
For some Seniors, winter can feel especially isolating. Old age is often tough when loved ones have passed or if immobility and serious illness are issues. People look forward to their trips to the park or sitting out on the front porch on a warm, summer day. In winter, however, because of weather conditions, these activities are not always possible.
Seniors need stimulating and fun things to do inside when it’s too gloomy to venture outside. You can provide compassion when they need it most by visiting them during the cold season.
If there is a beloved senior in your life, try to make regular trips to see them and offer them help around the house.
Since so many seniors are choosing to age at home these days, it gives you the opportunity to spend more time with them in a familiar setting. Cooking and making soup are fun participatory activities.
Soup is the perfect meal to have on a cold, blustery day, and recipes can be prepared as a team of you, your family member or friend, and their at-home caregiver, in case your loved one needs a little extra assistance.
Here are two soup recipes that are healthy and simple to prepare.
Butternut Squash Stew
This recipe has no added fat or sugar and is comforting to enjoy with friends and family.
Ingredients
1 chopped large onion
2 peeled sweet potatoes in bite-size cubes
1 small butternut squash chopped in bite-size cubes
4 carrots peeled and thickly sliced
2 parsnips peeled and thickly sliced
1 TBS of Italian seasoning
A pinch of pepper and salt
1-cup water
Directions
Enjoy with a dollop of Greek yogurt!
Beef, Barley, and Mushroom Soup
This recipe makes six cups and is hearty and high in protein.
Ingredients
Directions
Another tasty, nourishing soup to enjoy on a cold, winter’s day!
Forget about the winter for a day with a deliciously healthy and homemade soup that will bring joy to you and your loved one.
