Last updated on July 23rd, 2025
It’s the middle of summer, there’s a heat wave, and many seniors are feeling the effects of both the sweltering temperatures and the potential for social isolation.
For senior living communities (SLC), this presents a unique chance to create engaging and memorable experiences that not only beat the heat but also create a fun and connected environment.
The dining department, often the heart of any senior living community, plays a crucial role in making summer truly special for residents. By thinking creatively and offering a variety of activities, dining teams can turn a challenging season into one filled with joy, delicious food, and cherished memories.
Are you looking to make this a reality for your SLC? If so, keep reading for tips and tricks on how to make this summer one to remember for your residents.
Why is staying active important for seniors?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), improved sleep and decreased anxiety and blood pressure are all benefits of staying active as you age. However, that doesn’t apply only to physical activity. While physical exercise undoubtedly benefits mental health in older adults, mental activities, such as learning new languages or skills, interacting with others, and completing puzzles or games, are other ways for older adults to work on increasing their endurance and fitness.
Staying active is also important for keeping seniors safe. Older adults who are more active have a decreased risk of falls, which are not just one of the most common forms of injury as we age – it’s the leading cause of injury. Given this large risk, it’s essential for residents to continue to be active.
Let’s talk about some tips on how seniors can stay safe while still remaining active during the summer season.
Tips for staying safe during the summer
In the summer, it’s hard for some seniors to spend a lot of time in the sun. Heatstroke and dehydration are serious risks. However, that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on all the fun. Here are some tips to assist residents with staying safe during the summer months.
- Offer a variety of refreshing drinks like infused water, iced tea, and fruit juices throughout the day to encourage consistent hydration.
- Incorporate chilled soups, salads, fruit platters, and popsicles into the menu to help residents stay cool from the inside out.
- Suggest smaller portioned, more frequent meals, as this can be easier on the digestive system and help maintain a cooler internal temperature.
- If possible, consider adjusting mealtimes to earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the peak heat of the day.
With a little creativity, you and the rest of your SLC’s dining department can help residents enjoy the season safely and comfortably.
Summer activities for senior living dining departments
Keeping those safety tips in mind, here are four different summer activities for your residents to enjoy this summer.
Go on community trips
Encourage residents to eat healthy and get involved in the community by taking regular trips to local businesses. Not only does this build community among residents and with the locals, it also helps build partnerships between your SLC and small businesses.
For example, a weekly trip to a local farmers market allows residents to select fresh, healthy produce, promoting good nutrition and an appreciation for local agriculture. Visiting a community garden can provide light exercise and a chance to socialize with gardeners, perhaps even inspiring a gardening club within the senior living community.
Additionally, organizing other outings, such as going to local art galleries or historical sites offers cultural enrichment and encourages conversation, making summer memorable and meaningful for residents.
Have a BBQ
For older adults, grilling out and having a BBQ during the summer offers a fantastic blend of enjoyment and healthy eating. It’s an opportunity for your residents to get in some socialization time, continuing the emphasis on connecting with friends and family in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Grilling also allows for healthier cooking methods, reducing the need for excess oils and fats. Lean meats, fish, and a variety of vegetables can be easily prepared on the grill, too.
Start a resident garden
Work together with your community to start a garden, focused on planting seeds for new fruits and vegetables for your dining room and new friendships for residents. This is an excellent summer activity for senior living dining departments because it provides fresh, locally sourced ingredients for meals, enhancing the nutritional quality and flavor of dishes.
Beyond the culinary benefits, gardening builds a sense of purpose and accomplishment among residents. It encourages physical activity, social interaction, and mental stimulation, contributing to overall well-being. The shared experience of nurturing plants from seed to harvest can help residents develop a stronger sense of community, making dining a more engaging and holistic experience throughout the summer months.
Have a summer drink station
A summer drink station is the perfect opportunity to showcase healthy drink alternatives to soft drinks or sugary lemonades. Here are a few suggestions on how to set one up for your community’s dining room.
- Utilize the fresh fruits and vegetables from your community garden or local business partners to create infusion blends.
- Offer a variety of fruit-infused waters, such as cucumber-mint, strawberry-basil, or citrus-ginger. Iced teas with natural sweeteners like honey or agave nectar, and sparkling waters with a splash of fruit juice are also excellent choices.
- Consider offering a “mocktail” bar with alcohol-free versions of popular cocktails, utilizing fresh purees and herbs – something that fits with this year’s top food trends.
- Refreshing smoothies and nutrient-packed green juices are another healthy and satisfying option.
Summer starts with finding a food service management provider
If summer drink stations, resident gardens, or any of the other activities we’ve mentioned sounds like something your community would enjoy, we may be a good fit for your new food service management provider.
At Culinary Services Group, we partner with you to establish a person-centered dining program that fits the needs of your residents, creating memorable experiences all year long. Schedule a consultation with a member of our sales team today to learn more!
