The Elder Parent's Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for families and continuing culinary traditions. It becomes more meaningful as parents age. They still want to be part of the cooking and crowd yet there are circumstances that may be difficult. It may be hard to celebrate- yet there are ways of making it a bit easier.

Some older parents are still agile both mentally and physically in their eighties and nineties. They can be helpful in the kitchen and in the dining room. Have them do small chores such as peeling eggs for deviled eggs or uncorking wine bottles. They can also help in tasting and offering their opinion for different dishes as well as reminding you what spices and their amounts to use in family recipes.The important thing is not to tire out the older generation. If they want to nap before dinner, let them,if they oversleep let them. The meal will still be hot when they wake up. To keep a harmonious table, let them talk about what they want to talk about and have the kids engage with their grandparents and great grandparents. (this is a good time for the no phone rule at the table). Also keep an eye on what they eat.  Those on dialysis should have more high quality protein such as the turkey and less processed foods such as Stovetop Stuffing. Make sure they eat some portion of veggies. Diabetics can enjoy the main meal but desserts can be tricky. Try a no bake low carb pumpkin pie that has low calorie brown sugar add for sweetening and a pecan nut crust. Another sugar free dessert is a pumpkin cheesecake with no sugar. It's got the same creamy silkiness of the real thing but it's made with Truvia.

One of the hardest conditions to deal with is dementia. It's is difficult , especially for family members who remember their parents as vibrant people, steering the Thanksgiving dinner with a smile and steeliness. The best bet is just to roll with it. Enjoy this time with them, no matter how trying it will be. You may have to plan the Thanksgiving dinner in the early afternoon. Some sufferers have what is known as "Sundown Syndrome" which as the sun goes down , anger and confusion may set in. Simple tasks such as stirring mashed potatoes or setting the table can be calming for them. Also conversation is important. Ask them about Thanksgiving pasts but don't become frustrated if they don't remember . As for drinks and food, certain ones can actually help. Serve Concord grape juice instead of soda. The grapes boost cognition as well as cardiovascular health. Cut out sugar where you can too. It can make blood sugar levels spike which is linked to the disease. Sweeten pies and cranberries with agave or maple syrup. Try to avoid overly processed foods and ingredients  which can affect the mind. A dish such as green bean casserole is made with mostly processed ingredients such as mushroom soup and frizzled onions. Skip that and make the fresher string beans almondine instead. It has freshly squeezed lemon juice and almonds which improve cognitive memory.

Thanksgiving with elderly parents can be trying yet also joyous too. Make sure mom and dad have a good holiday.If they will you will too.