The conversations of life

Did you know 75 per cent of older Australians living alone are at risk of malnutrition?

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With at least a quarter of over-65s living alone, that is a huge number – now a new program is aiming to help.

The Cooking for One or Two program was originally created by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs for over-65 male veterans who found themselves living alone or cooking for themselves and their partner.

It’s since evolved into a five-week program offering classes in basic cooking skills and nutrition to people across Australia.

In NSW, the Program is currently being run around metropolitan and regional areas by The Benevolent Society teaching participants skills in how to shop and cook for one or two people.

Keeping people living independently

We think it’s a welcome initiative. There is this idea that as we age, that we need to eat less or our nutritional requirements are lower, but this isn’t always the case. Knowing how to cook also ensures people can stay at home living independently for longer – which we all want to do.

Of course, budgets are important for many, especially those on the Pension – and the program takes this into consideration. The NSW classes cost just $7 per lesson to cover ingredients – a total of $35 for the full program.

There’s also Masterclasses available for graduates of the program who want to further develop their skills.

To find out more, click here.

For the NSW classes, places are limited so bookings are essential. For more information, click here or call 1800 236 762.

A practising aged care physiotherapist for the past 13 years, Jill has worked in more than 50 metropolitan and regional aged care homes. She has also toured care facilities across the US and Africa. She is a passionate advocate for both the residents in aged care and the staff that serve them.


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