Celebrating National Ice Cream Month with Seniors

Sweet Treats, Healthy Alternatives & A Scoop of History

Get your spoons, cones, and toppings ready, it’s National Ice Cream Month! At Success Home Care, we believe there’s no better way to cool off in July than with a sweet frozen treat and some good company. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of chocolate chip or prefer a homemade frozen yogurt swirl, this month is all about enjoying the little pleasures, and ice cream is certainly one of them.

Here are some great ways seniors and their families can enjoy the season together, plus a look back at the surprising history behind your favourite summer dessert.

Find Local Ice Cream Deals & Discounts

Who doesn’t love a delicious deal? Many local ice cream shops in the Victoria region offer special discounts during National Ice Cream Month, and some even have senior specials!

Remember how good the ice cream tasted at local spots like Beacon Drive In or Dairy Queen. A short outing for a cone or sundae is a fun and affordable way for seniors and caregivers to enjoy the sunshine and the season.

Make Healthy Ice Cream Alternatives at Home

Celebrating doesn’t have to mean overindulging. There are plenty of nutritious and easy-to-make frozen treats that taste great and support your health goals:

• Greek yogurt “ice cream” with blended berries and honey

• Banana “nice cream” made with frozen bananas and a splash of vanilla

• Dairy-free alternatives using almond or oat milk with fruit purées

Making these at home adds a little fun to your routine, and you control the ingredients to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

Create Homemade Ice Cream with the Grandkids

Homemade ice cream is not only delicious, but also a bonding experience! Whether you’re using a churn, blender, or even a plastic bag (yes, that’s a thing!), this is a great opportunity to connect with younger family members.

Start with a simple vanilla or strawberry base and let the kids choose toppings or mix-ins. Laughing together while mixing flavours and sharing scoops creates memories that last much longer than the ice cream.

A Scoop of History: Where Did Ice Cream Come From?

Believe it or not, ice cream has a 2,500-year-old story!

• It began in ancient Persia, where people mixed sweetened, iced water with fruit. The idea traveled to the Roman and Greek Empires and became a luxury for royalty.

• After a long pause in the Dark Ages, Renaissance Italy revived the tradition, leading to innovations across Europe.

• In 1533, Catherine de’ Medici brought ice cream and high heels! — to France.

• The first American vendors appeared shortly after England and France, though the lack of refrigeration made ice cream a rare treat.

• In 1926, the invention of the electrical freezer changed everything. Suddenly, ice cream was for everyone, not just the elite.

• During the Great Depression and Prohibition, people turned to ice cream as a comfort food. After WWII, the industry exploded, introducing mass production and new flavors.

Now, Canadians, on average, eat 4.75 litres of ice cream per person, per year. Canadians are also known for enjoying ice cream in the winter! That’s a lot of ice cream!

Fun Ice Cream Facts You Didn’t Know

• The Waffle Cone was invented by accident in 1904 at the St. Louis World’s Fair when a vendor ran out of dishes. A nearby waffle seller stepped in, and the rest is crunchy history!

• The first written ice cream recipe in 1668 included ambergris, a waxy substance from whale intestines! Thankfully, we’ve moved on from that ingredient.

• Brain freeze, technically called sphenopalatine ganglion neuralgia, happens when cold treats hit nerves on the roof of your mouth. Tip: Press your tongue to the roof of your mouth to warm it up.

• Chocolate came before vanilla. While vanilla is the most common base today, chocolate was the first flavor introduced to Europe.

• Ice cream used to be for the elite only. Until the late 1800s, only the wealthy could afford cold storage and imported ingredients. Thankfully, everyone can enjoy a cone today.

  
  

Celebrate with Success Home Care

National Ice Cream Month isn’t just about dessert; it’s about connection, celebration, and small moments of joy. Whether it’s a scoop from a local shop, a homemade treat, or a new healthy recipe, we encourage seniors, caregivers, and families to make the most of this delicious month.

If you're in Victoria and the surrounding areas, Success Home Care is here to help seniors enjoy life to the fullest, one scoop at a time. Want support with meal planning, companionship, or outings?

Contact us today and let’s make this summer a little sweeter, together.

From our family to yours, happy National Ice Cream Month!