One of the things that seniors who are aging at home learn to navigate is how to stay socially connected to the world and avoid loneliness. It’s very easy for seniors to not get enough social interaction and suffer from anxiety, depression, and isolation because they are not maintaining friendships or participating in activities. Companion care at home can help seniors who are aging in place by finding hobbies and activities that they enjoy.
Cooking is a fantastic hobby for seniors. Even seniors who may have some physical challenges that make some aspects of cooking difficult can enjoy it, especially with the help of a companion care at home provider. There are ways that seniors who have trouble with certain aspects of cooking can get around the tasks that are too difficult for them, like buying pre-cut vegetables so they don’t need to wash and cut veggies. Here are some of the senior benefits of having cooking as a hobby.
Better Nutrition
Seniors often struggle with nutrition. According to the CDC a huge percentage of seniors are malnourished because they don’t eat enough or don’t get enough nutrients. Cooking as a hobby can encourage seniors to make healthier meals that are packed with the nutrients that seniors need. Most experts recommend that seniors eat a primarily plant-based diet, and seniors who cook will learn many ways to prepare the vegetables and fruits they should be eating.
Better Tasting Meals
Cooking great tasting meals will give seniors a hobby that they enjoy and make them more interested in eating. Seniors who cook may rediscover a love of good healthy food. They may even be inspired to try new flavors and new foods so that they can continually create flavorful meals that they can share with their family and friends.
Year Round Hobby
Some hobbies are seasonal and seniors have to find other hobbies to keep them busy during the off season. But seniors can enjoy cooking all year long. From holiday dishes to seasonal favorites, there are always meals to cook and cuisines to explore. Seniors may even want to start going out to restaurants or visiting local farms to try new foods and source better ingredients. With companion care at home, seniors will have a buddy to go out to restaurants with and take day tripos to local farms or farmers markets with.
Food Is Social
Seniors who start cooking because they want to socialize more can take advantage of the fact that food is social. Sharing meals with friends and family members, taking cooking classes, going out to eat, and shopping for the best ingredients are all social activities that will help seniors stay connected to the world and active in it. When seniors spend a large portion of their time talking, hanging out, and laughing with others they are much more likely to be physically and emotionally healthy. Your senior parent may find that cooking is a great hobby for them.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Companion Care at Home in Tempe, AZ, or anywhere in the East Valley, please contact the caring staff at Legacy Home Care.
Call (480) 777-0070
Legacy Home Care has been serving the valley since 2007. We are family owned and operated with over 75 caregivers. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as: Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans' Home Care program.
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