This Blog, for Seniors, has become a joy for me and this segment on nutrition is particularly special.
I come from a long line of Greek Ancestry and Mediterranean foods that were so much a part of my family life.
As I look back I see my Mom and my sisters setting the table with my Mom’s favorite dishes. We used these dishes for special days. We had a very large dining room table that held 8 people plus friends who came to dinner on Sunday or on Holidays.
We were, Mom, Dad, one brother and five sisters. Friends were always 
welcome. Even without invitation.
Family Dinnertime
My Dad played a small instrument called, the Bouzouki, and after dinner, they would sit around that special table and he would start playing and singing. After a while they would all join in.
It is one of my happiest memories. They knew how to enjoy life with good food and special friends.
The Island of Long Life
In my research on health and well being, I looked for family’s such as mine and also, families who have lived longer than most. I came across an island off the coast of Greece called IKARIA. It is known as “The Island of Long Life.” It really got my attention. This island is amass with people over 100 years of age, and many attribute their longevity to their diet.
My study showed a woman who was interviewed. She said her aunt was 111, that’s one hundred and eleven. I did not find them to use the word “old” too often.
They have their own gardens for fruit and vegetables and one that interested me was wild greens which contains 10 times more antioxidants than are found in red wine. If you would like to read more about these centenarians, just put into Google, IKARIA, The Island of Long Life.
It would be great to have your own garden and not worry too much about pesticides and sprays that can cause an abundance of diseases but, some seniors live in apartments or have no access to a garden.
In the winter months, here in New England, the farms are closed, so we have no choice but to go to a market for our fruits and vegetables. When the warmer weather arrives and the farms are open, I am anxious to get there. I buy all I need week to week until the fall.
When winter approaches, I buy fresh honey and corn. I will buy at least three or four dozens of corn, shuck them right at the farm and then, at home, I partially boil them.
When taking the corn out of the hot pot, I would put them in a pot filled with ice. This is a good way to cool them and it doesn’t take too long. I then wrap them in cling foil put them in freezer bags and freeze them. I have fresh corn all winter long.
If you live where it’s warm all year round, then my friend you are lucky. Fresh fruits and vegetables are just there for the buying. Of course, always wash, wash, and wash, fruits and vegetables before eating.
If you can’t get to a farm due to transportation, then you go to the market. Everything you eat should be washed several times and your meats should be cooked as well done.
If you have any comments or offer any advise on healthy foods for seniors please feel free to comment.
Mediterranean Diet
There are many books that are available for the Mediterranean diet. One in particular made me laugh out loud. It is titled, “ Mediterranean Diet for Dummies.” Also, “The New Mediterranean Diet“, and “The Mediterranean Diet for Beginners“. You can also try, “The Advanced Mediterranean Diet; Lose Weight, Feel Better, Live Longer.” All are very good, and I’ve listed them below for your convenience.
“Blue Zone, Second Edition” by Dan Buettner
There is also another book below entitled “The Blue Zones, Second Edition” where the author Dan Buettner, identifies the principles followed by those who live very long lives. He is now part of a major health initiative to help transform cities across America by implementing some of these same principles.
Once again, please feel free to leave your comments below. I look forward to hearing from you!
I Am
