Cooking for elderly family members can be a heartwarming way to show care and ensure they're receiving the nutrition they need. As we age, our dietary requirements change and it's crucial to adapt meal preparation to suit these needs. Emma Falconer, a dietitian specializing in aged care, emphasizes the importance of protein and dairy in the diets of older adults and suggests incorporating these elements into every meal, including snacks.


Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and strength, which can decline with age. Falconer advises spreading protein intake throughout the day, ensuring it's present in breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even in snacks for those with smaller appetites. Simple, protein-rich snacks like a tub of yogurt, cheese and crackers, or rice pudding can make a significant difference.


Dairy intake is also vital for older adults, with a recommended 3.5–4 servings per day to support bone health. However, Falconer points out that while fruit and vegetables are important, the priority should be on protein and calcium due to decreased appetites in the elderly. If portion sizes are small, focus on these nutrients first, with fruits and veggies as a welcome addition.


Flavour should not be sacrificed when cooking for the elderly. Falconer suggests engaging with your loved ones to discover their favourite foods and adapting recipes to suit their preferences and dietary needs. For those with chewing difficulties, she recommends nutritious soups made from scratch, packed with protein sources like chicken, red meat, chickpeas, or tofu, and loaded with vegetables for flavour and nutrition.

It's important not to get too fixated on individual meals but to consider the overall dietary intake over a day or two. Adjustments can be made if one meal is lacking, and meal times can be flexible to accommodate early bedtimes or personal preferences.

To help you transform mealtime for your elderly loved ones, we've gathered a selection of recipes from Maggie Beer's Big Mission, which are designed with the nutrition of older people in mind and can be scaled up for aged care homes.


1. Kylie Kwong's budget-friendly, high-protein dish inspired by her Cantonese heritage takes only 30 minutes to prepare and six minutes to cook, making it a quick and nutritious option.

2. Alice Zaslavsky's easy vegetarian borsch is a flavorful Eastern European vegetable soup that's simple to make and perfect for getting a variety of veggies into the diet.

3. Matthew Evans' cottage pie is a humble, comforting dish using affordable ingredients, reminding us that pleasure in eating should not be forgotten in our twilight years.


4. Nornie Bero's tinned corned beef stew is a budget-friendly family favorite that celebrates the act of cooking for older loved ones.

5. Julia Busuttil Nishimura's Maltese stuffed zucchini with potatoes is a nourishing dish dedicated to her mother, emphasizing that older Australians deserve beautiful, home-cooked meals.

6. Matt Moran's slow-roasted lamb shoulder with colourful veggie sides and a refreshing mint salsa is a tribute to his late grandmother, combining nutrition with the joy of eating.


Remember, these recipes are not just about sustenance; they're about celebrating life and the pleasure of eating. When cooking for the elderly, it's essential to balance nutritional needs with the enjoyment of food. Always consult with a qualified medical practitioner for personalized advice tailored to your loved one's health conditions and dietary requirements.
Don't forget to share your experiences and favourite recipes for elderly loved ones in the comments below. Let's make mealtime a delightful and nutritious part of their day!