The summer season tends to significantly impact the food and beverage industry’s approach to seasonality. Consumers of all ages draw inspiration from the season. This applies to how they shop, decorate, plan activities, eat, and drink. But how do we serve and care for consumers like seniors, whose seasonal needs and preferences are typically less considered?

Here are some suggestions when it comes to narrowing down beverage offerings for retirement communities!

1) Sparkling water

Water should not be secondary to any meal or time of day. Providing excellent water choices will not only increase hydration possibilities, but also stimulate water consumption habits, a problem many older adults encounter. In addition to the typical bottled water, we propose sparkling water to enhance the water drinking experience. Besides, sparkling water is also available in many different flavors in most places. This will be a change from regular water for seniors as well. Consider creating a water station with fresh fruits and herbs and have residents create a refreshing, healthy beverage full of summer flavors.

2) A Glass Full of Antioxidants

Fruit juice is a breakfast staple, but in recent years it has improved health. Today’s juices cover all the bases, and you can taste the goodness in every glass. Rich in vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium, juices have become highly drinkable for seniors who are often deficient in vitamins and supplements. Even a single glass of juice can help bridge the gap between drinking something sweet on a bright summer day.

3) Iced Coffee

Coffee may be synonymous with seniors, but that doesn’t mean that what the retirement community has to offer should be bland and boring. Today’s coffee is full of options and customizations to accommodate drinkers of all ages.

One modern trend that has been rising for the past years is the emergence (or rather reinvention) of cold brew and cold-pressed coffee.

4) Tea for Everyone

There is perhaps nothing more iconic than a tall glass of iced tea on a hot day. In an elderly care facility, serving hot or cold tea is something special. Tea has many benefits, including cancer prevention, heart disease prevention, memory improvement, and osteoporosis prevention. Whether it’s black tea, green tea, or matcha, tea is an excellent canvas for customizing your beverage and a way to encourage the elderly in your community to enjoy summer.

5) Orange Juice

Rich in vitamin C, folate, and magnesium, orange juice is a popular superfood suitable for all ages, including the elderly. For the elderly, orange juice’s positive effects on blood pressure and blood vessel function and its role in boosting the immune system can be expected. It is better to choose fresh oranges and make your orange juice. It has less sugar than commercial ones and still retains the fiber content of the pulp.

6) Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice has long been used to treat cystitis, which is common in the elderly. But cranberry juice is also rich in anthocyanins, disease-fighting antioxidants found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Opt for 100% cranberry juice instead of a sugar-laden cranberry juice cocktail to get the purest form of this potent beverage.

7) Coconut water

The taste of this tropical water is somewhat controversial. Some people love it, others hate it. However, there is no denying that this healthy beverage hydrates the body and provides a fantastic amount of potassium. Potassium also plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy heartbeat and regulating blood pressure in seniors.

One of the easiest ways to stay healthy in old age may be in your home kitchen. Sip your worries away with these delicious and refreshing summer drinks!