You may notice your meal reducing in size as you age due to lack of appetite and other personal reasons. This results in a change in diets and eating patterns which can cause you to stop cooking. Many aging adults living in a retirement community—whether independent living, assisted living, or memory care—prefer to have their meals prepared for them. However, there are several benefits attached to cooking your own meals. Cooking is a fun and exciting activity that you should engage in as you age, as it can help to improve your mental health. Below are the benefits of cooking that you need to know about:
Stimulates the Senses
Cooking is a multitasking activity that can help to stimulate all five basic senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. The preparation of meals, the aroma of food, the sound of food boiling, the sight of food, and the taste of food are all a part of the stimulation process of the senses. The recurring smells and flavors of your favorite meal can help to elevate your mood especially when you prepare it with a loved one.
Improves Appetite
Experiencing a decrease in appetite is normal as you age, but it is important to address it. When you prepare your own meal, the aroma of the food will engage your senses to help arouse your appetite and help you eat better. Additionally, you are likely to try your meal when it’s ready. This will help you maintain proper nutrition and improve cognitive function while fighting depression.
Encourages Socialization
Cooking can be fun for you, especially when you have your loved ones with you while preparing a meal. It’s even more fun with the conversation, laughter, and the passing of food and ingredients. Sharing fond memories with your loved ones as you cook is a good way to bond with family members. This involvement and interaction will help to keep the body and mind alert and engaged.
Brings Back Memories
Since the senses are strongly tied to memory, cooking can help to bring back memories. The smell and taste of food can trigger vivid memories. Cooking a favorite meal can be a therapeutic activity for aging adults with cognitive concerns like dementia as the familiar scents and taste of the meal can bring back forgotten memories. Aside from the scent and taste, the meal preparation process with loved ones can help to bring back happy memories.
When planning to cook with a friend or family member that is struggling with cognitive concerns, think of meals they used to enjoy making. The scents and sight of the meal can help to remind them of a memory. You can achieve this by trying an old family recipe that they love.
Stress Reduction
If you often have to deal with feelings of stress, cooking is a good way to reduce stress levels effectively. Baking involves repetitive techniques such as stirring or chopping, which can be meditative. The movements you make when kneading bread can help to distract you from stress and reduce feelings of anxiety.
