Whether grandma has moved in or you’re looking out for an elderly neighbour, you might be wondering what’s best to cook for older adults.
Emma Falconer, a dietitian working in the field of aged care, says it’s possible to meet the nutritional needs of older people without sacrificing on flavour.
We spoke to Ms Falconer for her tips on feeding our elderly loved ones, and have collated six recipes published as part Maggie Beer’s Big Mission to improve the quality of life in aged care.
What nutrients are most important
The main thing to address is ensuring your elderly loved one is getting adequate protein, explains Ms Falconer.
“As we get older, we need protein spread throughout the day — at breakfast, lunch and dinner.”
Dietitian Emma Falconer says protein and dairy are really important for older people. (Supplied)
She says it can also be in the form of snacks for people with smaller appetites.
“If they are having six smaller meals a day … make sure there is protein in those snacks as well.
“Something like a tub of yoghurt, or cheese and crackers, or a rice pudding.”
She says dairy is also important as we age — with elderly people needing 3.5–4 serves a day.
“Because their appetite decrease, we want to focus on protein and calcium first. Then anything extra is a bonus.
“We want them eating fruit and vegetables, absolutely, but if they are eating small amounts, focus on protein — fruit and veg is a bonus.”
Ms Falconer says there is no reason to avoid flavour — unless the person prefers it that way.
“I would definitely be sitting down and finding out what their favourite foods are; try and coax out some ideas of what to potentially cook.”
If they have issues with chewing, for example, Ms Falconer suggests soups made from scratch packed with nutrition.
“People don’t realise if their loved one isn’t eating [the food they made], it’s mainly due to the texture not being correct.
“They might not want to offend, or admit they have issues with chewing.”
Ms Falconer says soups made with chicken, red meat, chickpea or even tofu, and loaded with veggies for flavour, are ideal.
She recommends to not get bogged down in each meal and to look at the bigger picture.
“Like over a day, over two days, how well are they eating? And if they are eating poorly at one meal, adjust it.
“Eating dinner at 4pm is not a bad thing if they like to go to bed early.”
What to cook for older people
The following recipes are specially designed for Maggie Beer’s Big Mission, with nutrition for older people in mind.
They’re also able to be scaled up for aged care homes.
Chicken Hokkien noodles
This dish from restauranteur Kylie Kwong — which is budget friendly and high in protein — was inspired by the “fresh-food-first” cooking approach that stems from her Cantonese heritage.
It takes 30 minutes to prepare and just six minutes to cook.
Loading YouTube content
A veggie soup with a twist
This easy vegetarian borsch from Alice Zaslavsky is low on effort and big on flavour.
Borsch is the eastern European version of vegetable soup — a convenient and delicious ways of getting lots of veggies.
The ingredients are simple, and the recipe can also be scaled up for a home to remake for a large number of people.
Loading YouTube content
Cottage pie with cheesy topping
Chef Matthew Evans says this cottage pie is a humble dish using ingredients that don’t cost a lot.
He says one of the things we forget in our twilight years is pleasure.
“If you can look at nourishment and feeding people but you’re not getting pleasure, what’s the point?”
Loading YouTube content
Corned beef stew
This budget-friendly tinned corned beef stew from Nornie Bero has been a family favourite for generations.
She says the recipe is simple and cheap to make, and that cooking for older loved ones is just one way we can celebrate them.
Loading YouTube content
Stuffed zucchini with pork mince and potatoes
Maltese stuffed zucchini with potatoes, also known Qarabaghli Mimli Fil-forn, is a comforting and nourishing dish.
It’s a meal close to cookbook author Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s heart, who dedicated the recipe to her mum, and says older Australians are just as deserving of beautiful, home-cooked meals as the rest of us.
Loading YouTube content
Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with veggies
Chef Matt Moran’s slow-roasted lamb shoulder features plenty of colourful veggie sides and a refreshing mint salsa.
He dedicated the recipe to his late grandmother.
Loading YouTube content
This is general information only. For detailed personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner who knows your medical history.
Stream Maggie Beer’s Big Mission anytime on ABC iview.