Any ideas to feed a 83 yr old Mum, Nana & Noo Noo I am running out of ideas! Quick lunchtimes snacks would help, point me in the direction frazzled!

there is another thread here and i gave a menu option/finger food choices. but here, after thinking, i'm giving some tips that helped with my mom. i bought some little custard cup type bowls and cute small plates and would attractively arrange the food. keep small quantities/colors/shapes/textures in mind. i know it takes extra time but it helps. yes, and ask them what they like. my 96 y.o.m-i-law loves oven baked pizza once in a while. take out food occasionally is a great treat for them. most of my family cooks very bland food but i notice what a hefty appetite m-i-law has when i cook as i make it interesting with sesame oil or soy sauce or maple syrup or different combinations. fruit can be a wonderful addition on the dinner plate. of course, dietary considerations are the rule and most seniors really crave sweets as it might be the one thing they can taste. finally, eating is a social event so sitting with them while they eat can really help their appetites. even if you just add the additional stimulation by talking, and telling them about what you are doing, it becomes a wonderful event in their day.

I am a healthy 78 yr. old with all my own teeth, and even I would find a crusty loaf of French bread, filled with steak, slow going. One or the other might be OK, but together, not so much. I agree with those who suggested soups, sandwiches quartered, quiche, etc. My husband passed away in June at age 80, and for the last few months, those are the kinds of things that he asked for.

I agree with the small, attractive cut up portions. My mom would not feed herself but if you gave her half a sandwich, cut in quarters on a pretty plate she would remember she was hungry. At the end my dad always preferred soup, it was easier for him to get down and the salty, warmth of it was comforting. Clam chowder was always popular and any of the soups with pureed vegetables are good.

Poach a whole chicken. Cool it. and go at it and tear it up. (save the bones for a stock).

Freeze most of the meat.
Get some little 'chicken pot pie' type foil thing. And make a pie crust and fill those with a chicken pot pit mix.
Also

I would add to be careful with garlic as this can be difficult for elderly people and to be cautious with raw vegetables - difficult for teeth and can be somewhat indigestible, also watch crusty bread. From my experience small portion meals are best. In the heat cold soups are wonderful as they provide nutrients and are easy to manage. Cold chicken or ham with pasta salad, tea sandwiches, small quiches are often good. I have found that elderly people love their desserts and things like fruit with ice cream, jello with ice cream are thoroughly enjoyed.

I don't think I saw this yet, but pasta salads loaded with veggies, cherry tomatoes and their favorite proteins. A pesto dressing would be good or mayo based. I'd probably at least blanch the vegetables. Raw veggies can be tough on elderly teeth and tummies.

And, I forgot these: cook couscous in chicken stock, and throw in a generous handful of currants. After it's cooked you can add some almonds if you like. Make ahead, and then stuff tomato halves with it.
Wonderful Elizabeth Bishop liked the idea of hollowing out a crusty French loaf, then grill a steak. Let the steak stand 5 or 10 minutes, then slice on the diagonal and fill the bread loaf. Dribble some good olive oil on top. Put a lot of sliced sautéed mushrooms on top. Then wrap up the loaf in aluminum foil, put a weight on top and keep it in the refrigerator. You can take the same idea but with grilled chicken breasts, some olive oil, vinegar and minced garlic (or Caesar salad dressing) and some shredded romaine.

I've heard from people who work in senior care that sometimes smaller portions are much more appetizing to the elderly. So a sandwich, but cut into quarters (and maybe not all on the plate at once.) I'd try tuna salad, ham salad, things that are a little rich and easy to eat. Also, a tiny cup of cut up fruit, half a sandwich, and since it's summer some chopped ripe tomato maybe with some herbs and feta or other goat cheese crumbled up.
How about cubes of different colors of melon (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew) with some mint?
Cubes or slices of a couple of kinds of cold cuts stacked with cheese slices, really good bread and butter on the side. Or use cold roasted chicken.
Aspic: make tomato aspic, and if the ladies like it a little spicy season it like gazpacho. Half a ripe avocado and put the halves in the bottom of the aspic pan. It looks fancy when you slice it, it's refreshing, and you can make it way ahead.
Those would all be easy to eat.

Is this lunch or snack? if lunch (a real meal, 1/3 or so of their daily intake), be sure to build in high-protein content foods, even if they need to be in easy-to-eat (like a snack) format. Also, including things like whole-grain bread or pasta, medium fat milk, yogurt & cheese (our bodies need some fat to fuel metabolism, vitamin usage etc; also low fat foods are usually not satisfying in taste or texture, high in sugar, ultimately lead to poor diet). Please excuse if this is obvious/you've already done it, but ask them what they like and hate, and build your lunches around those preferences, combined with nutrtitional needs. Also, include some fun or slightly-forbidden foods...everyone likes them, and needs a treat during the day. last, some handy guidelines:
http://www.health24.com/Lifestyle/Ageing-well/Nutrition-to-stay-young/A-healthy-diet-for-older-people-20120721

Make a variety of soups like split pea, lentil , cream of carrot, etc... Portion out and freeze
That way you always have something on hand

Thank you Allison, great ideas especially cold brocoli soup, it is really hot over here! (UK) the yoghurt & fruit will go down well too!
Eggs so versatile but out of the question for Noo Noo, who knew

That's a lot of people to care for! You are doing a great job! First, make sure you are getting yourself some serious healthy sustenance and some respite. For lunches, there is always omelettes or scrambled eggs, a delicious and different tuna salad with celery, apples, and walnuts, blended soups like broccoli or cauliflower, which can also be served chilled. For my broccoli soup I cut up several garlic cloves in a rough chop, quickly saute with some chili flakes (enough for flavor but not spiciness), pour in two bags of frozen broccoli and 32oz of broth or water. Cook till broccoli is soft, blend with immersion blender, add a splash of lemon juice and a little parmesan. Its actually very quick to make. There is also always Greek yogurt with some fruit- lots of protein and sweet for the palate. Good luck to you!