Summer spells fun in different ways for different people, but everyone loves the season. It brings many opportunities to get outside and soak up the warm sunshine. The landscape is vibrant and beautiful. There are baseball games to watch or a pleasant game of croquet to win. There are outdoor music festivals and family cookouts with delectable food, including dessert. Summer is truly the best time to step outside your independent living apartment and have fun.

Hot Weather Safety Tips for Seniors 

There are many reasons to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, but for seniors, they need to take extra precautions when celebrating outdoors. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe and healthy this summer:

  1. Stay Hydrated: Keep water with you at all times and try to drink about eight or more glasses a day.
  2. Know the Side Effects of Your Medicines: Some may have a sun sensitivity component you should watch out for.
  3. Stay Indoors on Particularly Hot Days: Go out early in the morning or in the evening and stay in the air conditioning during the hottest part of the day.
  4. Wear the Right Clothing: Use breathable and light-colored fabrics to help keep you cool.
  5. Keep Your Emergency Contacts Close: You never know when you might need to call someone. It’s a good idea to always keep your smartphone, with all your emergency contacts listed in it, nearby. 
  6. Listen to the Weather Reports: Plan your days based on the predicted weather forecast and enjoy summer in a safe, fun way.

Refreshing Summertime Dessert

Summer not only brings gorgeous weather to enjoy, but it is also a fabulous time to try new recipes as you celebrate the season. The dedicated staff at Wesley Enhanced Living has a delicious and healthy summer recipe for you to try.

Frozen Greek Yogurt Blackout Pie

Adapted from Bon Appetit, Submitted by Hallie L. Klocek MPH RD LDN

This no-bake pie requires no oven (perfect for the hot summer months) and can be prepared ahead of time. The homemade crust contains oats in its base, giving a hint of hidden fiber you won’t even know is there. Typically, icebox cakes/pies have ice cream as their base, but this recipe uses Greek yogurt and egg whites as a healthier, high-protein/lower-sugar filling. Garnish with some olive oil (sounds odd, but it balances the flavors so well!) and cocoa nibs (nuts or dried fruit would work great too) for a unique flavor and texture combination you’re sure to love.

CRUST INGREDIENTS

  • 1 sleeve graham crackers (9 standard-size ones; about 5 oz.)
  • ¼ cup old-fashioned oats
  • 2 tbsp. Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp. light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 6 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted (or more; see note in the instructions below)

FILLING INGREDIENTS

  • 4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (about ¾ cup)
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 2¼ cups whole-milk Greek yogurt, divided
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt, plus more
  • 3 large egg whites
  • ½ cup (packed) plus 1 tbsp. light brown sugar, divided

Cocoa nibs (for serving; optional)

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

A 9″-diameter standard pie dish

CRUST INSTRUCTIONS

** Crust can be made one week ahead. Cover with foil and keep frozen.**

  • Break up graham crackers and transfer them to a food processor. 
  • Add oats, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and salt. (Alternatively, you can finely crush graham crackers in a medium bowl with a smaller bowl into very fine crumbs, then combine with remaining ingredients. The oats can be pulverized with a spice mill or mortar and pestle.) 
  • Pulse until finely ground, then add butter and pulse until combined. The crust should hold together when squeezed but break apart when firmly poked with a finger. Add 1 more tbsp. melted butter if needed to get the crust to come together.
  • Press crust into the bottom and two-thirds of the way up the sides of the pie dish in an even layer. Freeze 10 minutes before filling. 

FILLING INSTRUCTIONS

** Pie can be made 1 week ahead. Cover and freeze. Yogurt topping can be made one week ahead. Cover and chill.**

  • Melt chocolate and ½ cup oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Let cool slightly. Transfer to a large bowl, then add 1½ cups yogurt and ½ tsp. salt and stir to combine.
  • Using an electric mixer or hand mixer on medium-high speed, beat egg whites in a medium bowl until white and foamy, for about 1 minute. With the mixer running, gradually add ½ cup brown sugar, then continue to beat until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes longer.
  • Add one-third of meringue to the chocolate mixture and fold in thoroughly but gently with a large rubber spatula. (This will help lighten it so that the rest of the meringue will be easier to add without deflating it). 
  • Add remaining meringue and fold in until no streaks remain. 

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

  • Transfer to the prepared crust, keeping the filling inside the edge of the crust and mounding into the center if needed. 
  • Freeze pie until firm, for at least 3 hours. (To freeze overnight, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to temper before serving, which will make it easier to slice.)
  • Combine remaining ¾ cup yogurt, 1 tbsp. sugar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
  • Dollop yogurt mixture onto pie or slices before serving. 
  • Drizzle with oil, then sprinkle with cocoa nibs (if using). 

Enjoy Summer to Its Fullest – Choose Wesley Enhanced Living

Stay safer while celebrating summer and all it has to offer. At Wesley Enhanced Living, we understand the needs of seniors and offer a variety of opportunities to engage in new adventures while ensuring you have what you need to stay healthy. You can enjoy many more recipes like the one above when you join us in our dining room. Choose from one of our many senior living options, such as independent living, personal care, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. Give us a call today.

Wesley Enhanced Living provides high-quality senior retirement communities for you or your loved ones.  Contact one of our Philadelphia area locations and find out why our seniors love where they live. Our staff is happy to discuss your elder’s needs or your own and inform you of our range of services. Virtual tours are now available. Call us today for more information.