Christ Church 80s tea proves fun for all

By Barb Randall

The Lake Oswego Review, Jul 22, 2010

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ ADRIANNE BROCKMAN

Guests Caroline Wilson and Trudie Lewis visit with others at their table during a ‘Tea for the 80s’ prepared for parishoners age 80 and better at Christ Church Episcopal Parish.

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How long has it been since you attended a real tea party complete with hats, china cups and dainty tea sandwiches?

It had been a long time for me. The tea I attended last week at Christ Church Episcopal Parish brought back fond memories of the cups of heavy-on-the-sugar-cubes tea I had shared with my grandmother, mom and sisters. There is something very grand about a tea party.

For the second summer in a row, the church hosted a tea for those in the parish aged 80 and better. The tea is a much anticipated social event and detailed preparation goes on for months. Invitations are mailed, rides are organized, teapots gathered and sweets and savories lovingly prepared. This year’s program included a fashion show and I was asked to share some thoughts on preparing easy, healthful meals to please the senior palate.

In doing research for the presentation I learned that seniors have some unique considerations.

At the age of 40, the body’s metabolism slows, hence you are burning less calories. If you continue to eat the same quanities you’ll likely gain weight.

Your senses of taste and smell diminish with age. This can cause people to oversalt their food – they just can’t taste it.

Seniors are prone to dehydration because, as we age, our bodies lose some of the ability to regulate fluid levels and our sense of thirst is dulled. Dehydration can lead to confusion, a state none of us enjoy.

Prescription medications and illnesses impact appetite.

Due to a slower digestive system, we generate less saliva and stomach acid as we age, making it more difficult to process certain foods.

Seniors often spend more time alone, which can lead to loneliness and depression. For some, feeling blue leads to not eating and for others, it may trigger overeating.

Newly single seniors may not know how to cook or may not feel like cooking for one.

I wanted to impress upon the group three things:

The first is that we truly are what we eat. Good nutrition keeps muscles, bones, organs and other body parts strong for the long haul. I encouraged them to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, eggs, fish, poultry, low fat and fat free milk products, nuts and healthy oils.

The second was to fill their plates with color! Intentionally eat foods that are green, red, blue, purple, orange, yellow. It is fun and will keep your diet interesting while assuring you are getting a wide variety of nutrients.

Here are other tips I shared to enhance their nutrition:

n Be open to trying something new. If you have only eaten white bread and roast beef all your life, now is the time to sample what you’ve been missing!

n Vegetables are delicious steamed, sautéd in olive oil, roasted or grilled. Experiment with different combinations.

n Don’t skip meals; this just slows your metabolism further and can cause you to make poor food choices later on.

n Say no to eating alone! Make it a habit to share lunches or dinners with grandchildren, family, friends and neighbors on a regular basis. The adult community centers in Lake Oswego and West Linn serve lunches several times each week that provide a social outlet and a delicious meal.

n Keep your pantry and freezer stocked with wholesome choices such as plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low fat and fat free milk and milk products, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts. Fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruits and vegetables are all fine choices. To get as much fiber as possible, eat fruits whole rather than as juice.

Shop with convenience in mind and use your freezer. Buy in bulk and freeze everything in single- serving pouches.

n Cook soups and casseroles and freeze in single portions, too. Be sure to label and date packages and rotate them in your freezer as you add new items.

n Plan for and use leftovers. Bake or grill extra chicken for use in salads, sandwiches and soups. Or make a meatloaf mixture, bake some as meatloaf and freeze the uncooked portion for use later as meatballs or stuffed peppers.

n Experiment with fresh herbs, fresh ginger, garlic, lemon and lime juices and zest to add flavor to foods instead of using salt.

n Avoid processed foods of all kinds.

n Drink water every hour and with meals to avoid dehydration.

n Set the mealtime mood. Set the table, light candles, play music or eat outside or by a window. Taking time to tidy yourself and your space will help you enjoy the moment all the more.

The third point I wanted to make to the group is probably the most important: Ask for help when you need it. If shopping, cooking or planning meals is too much for you, even temporarily, let others help you.

Some years ago I received a phone call from a man whose wife had died recently. He asked me to help him with simple recipes for dishes he could prepare by himself. I was honored that he would ask for my help, and hope others will do the same.

The church members would be happy to help, too. You can contact the church at 503-636-5618 or me at the number below.

Seniors, hopefully you are getting in on the fun of outdoor grilling this summer. The recipes today are some of what I shared with the group and are intended to be cooked on the grill. If you don’t have a barbecue grill, use the broiler in the oven.

Bon Appetit! Eat something wonderful!

Greek Turkey Burgers with Yogurt Sauce

Serves 4

Yogurt Sauce:

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